WASHINGTON – A marker commemorating the life and contributions of Archer Shepperson (1850-1905) will be unveiled at his burial location this afternoon, Saturday, October 17, at 1:30 pm at the Washington Cemetery located at 124 Carrigan Street in Washington, Arkansas. Everyone is welcome.
Archer Shepperson was one of the first African Americans to represent Hempstead County in the Arkansas State Legislature in 1873. Afterwards, for the next 25 years he was a leader in the local African American public school system of Washington, Arkansas, and helped raise funds for Haygood Seminary, a local vocational and preparatory school for African Americans. The marker is funded by support from the Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant provided by the Black History Commission of Arkansas and the Arkansas State Archives, and the Ethnic Minority Memorabilia Association (EMMA) of Washington, Arkansas.
For questions concerning the event call 870-703-8256 or email hempsteadhistory@gmail.com.