Hope resident inducted into Black Hall of Fame

By submitted, 09/6/22 2:17 PM

LITTLE ROCK — On Tuesday, the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame (ABHOF) announced that it will return to its in-person induction ceremony and variety show when it celebrates its 30th anniversary and formally inducts the newest class on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Robinson Center Music Hall. This marks the first in-person ceremony in two years due to COVID-19. Six Arkansans will be recognized for their extraordinary contributions to society, both in the state and beyond. Tickets to the cocktail hour and show are available at arblackhalloffame.org.

Inductees include:

·        Sherman Banks of Little Rock—International Citizen Diplomat, Honorary Consul General to Ghana and Arts Education Patron

·        Dr. Joe L. Hargrove, FACC from Grady—Scientist, Educator, Philanthropist and Medical Practitioner

·        Hattie Hill from MoroInternational Business Consultant, Entrepreneur and Philanthropic Leader

·        Gertrude Newsome Jackson from Gum Bottom—(Posthumous) Educator and Social Justice and Civil Rights Leader

·        Ketty Lester  from Hope—TV & Motion Picture Actress, Singer, Songwriter & Recording Artist

·        James Thrower  from Camden—NFL Star and Business, Philanthropic and Civic Leader

“Our 2022 class of inductees continue the tradition of showcasing the tremendous talent that Arkansas produces,” said Charles Stewart, ABHOF chairman. “The COVID-19 pandemic paused our plans in 2020 and again in 2021, so we look forward to an amazing ceremony for our inductees, their family and friends and others as we celebrate the return to the Robinson and thirty years of recognizing some of our state’s best.”

With the long-awaited induction ceremony, the ABHOF Foundation will continue to fundraise towards improving education, health and wellness, youth development, and strengthening families in Black and other underserved communities throughout Arkansas. This year, with the generous support of corporate partners, the foundation awarded $50,000 through 16 mission-related grants. Since 2010, ABHOF grants up to $5,000 have impacted Arkansans in 69 of Arkansas’ 75 counties.

For more information about the 2022 induction ceremony, visit arblackhalloffame.org.