A view at the Pine Bluff service track on a Locomotive Management field trip. Amtrak F40's were leased by Union Pacific RR for a short time but their small fuel tanks was a PITA as they would barely make Chicago-PBluff before running dry. This is an interesting lashup with the GP60 - F40PH - Dash9.
On August 21, 1959, Jim Johnson, an Arkansas supreme court justice, told a state-wide segregationist rally at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to “do what needs to be done” to fight the proposed integration of schools in the Dollarway School District. “When Dollarway falls,” Johnson exhorted the crowd, “Arkansas falls!” The crowd of over a thousand white Arkansas residents cheered.
On August 4, a federal judge ordered that three Black children be admitted to the Dollarway School District when schools reopened in September. The Dollarway School Board appealed the decision. Meanwhile, white residents in the Dollarway District put together a petition with over 1,200 signatures asking Governor Orval Faubus to preserve segregation in the district “with all the force at your command.”
Though Brown v. Board of Education determined in 1954 that school segregation was unconstitutional, for years white residents across Arkansas relied on intimidation and organized political resistance to maintain segregation in the public schools. White residents fought court rulings and held intimidation rallies to terrorize Black families and their children while politicians closed schools to avoid integration. By 1960, only 98 of Arkansas’s 104,000 Black students attended integrated schools.
Justice Jim Johnson was an outspoken segregationist who served as an Arkansas state senator and associate justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court in the 1950s and 1960s. After the Brown decision, Justice Johnson launched a campaign to ensure that defense of segregation remained a central political platform in Arkansas. Justice Johnson formed the White Citizens’ Council of Arkansas, which protested plans to integrate schools in the town of Hoxie, and proposed an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution that would authorize state officials to ignore federal law, which Arkansas voters passed. In 1956, Justice Johnson challenged incumbent Orval Faubus and ran for governor on a segregationist platform with the endorsement of the KKK. Although Justice Johnson lost the election, he leveraged his supporters to pressure Governor Faubus to embrace the segregationist cause. He was instrumental in persuading Governor Faubus to defy federal orders to desegregate Little Rock Central High School in 1957.
The massive resistance to integration by the white community was largely successful in preventing integration of schools, especially in the South. In the five Deep South states, every single one of 1.4 million Black schoolchildren attended segregated schools until the fall of 1960. By the start of the 1964-65 school year, less than 3% of the South’s Black children attended school with white students, and in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina that number remained substantially below 1%. In 1967, 13 years after Brown v. Board of Education, a report by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights observed that white violence and intimidation against Black people “continues to be a deterrent to school desegregation.” Learn more about this history by reading EJI’s report, Segregation in America. You can also learn more about segregationist leaders like Justice Johnson, including his wife Virginia Johnson, here.
Next up in the Fayetteville Film Fest is a short documentary on the history of Pine Bluff, a town in Arkansas. I'm not sure if I've never been here - Arkansas is so big to me that there still feels like there's a lot to explore and discover in this one state alone! But it was nice to learn about it.
In history, the town sadly originating in an unethical way (as seems to be the norm for the USA) where it was stolen from the original Native Tribe living on the land. It feels weird then to have anything further good to say about the town, but unfortunately the stolen land issue of the USA is one of those problems that doesn't seem fixable at this point, and the best inhabitants of the land today can do is learn to be more caring, compassionate and respectful of others than those old-timey racist motherfuckers were.
Getting back on topic of the town, the story of the documentary follows how the town did end up thriving and doing well for a while, but eventually at the point of the 80s and 90s white families held most of the wealth and starting moving out, and thus sadly the many problems created by racism come back into focus as the town gained a reputation for being "crime ridden" and "boring" even by it's own occupants.
Thankfully, the documentary does end on a hopeful note for the town, as it seems to be getting back on its feet and getting cool new places built such as a new library and a technology learning center. I hope everyone there is doing well!
If you'd like to watch this little short film for yourself, you can do so here:
Pine Bluff, Arkansas inmates Jatonia Bryant Jr., Noah Roush recaptured
Both Jatonia Bryant Jr., 23, and Noah David Roush, 22, are residents of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas, United States. They were incarcerated in the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Detention Center in Pine Bluff for different crimes.
On November 3, 2022, Roush was arrested. He was accused of hindering apprehension or prosecution and was released.
On June 3, 2023, Roush was arrested for residential…
Reach out to Econo Lodge Pine Bluff AR Motel for inquiries or to book your stay. Conveniently located near Southeast Arkansas College, our motel is here to assist you.
Must-Attend Concerts and Christmas Events in Little Rock-PineBluff, AR
Enchanted Forest Trail Of Lights
The Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights Little Rock, Arkansas, is a dazzling spectacle that transforms the city into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. This annual event has become a beloved tradition, enchanting visitors of all ages with its magical displays and festive atmosphere.
The trail winds through a picturesque forest adorned with millions of twinkling lights, creating a whimsical and immersive experience. As visitors stroll along the path, they encounter enchanting scenes, from sparkling light tunnels to illuminated trees, bringing the spirit of the holidays to life.
One of the highlights of the Enchanted Forest is the synchronized light show, where thousands of lights dance to the rhythm of classic holiday tunes. This mesmerizing display captivates audiences and adds a dynamic and joyful element to the festivities.
For families, the Enchanted Forest offers more than just a visual feast. Children are delighted by visits from Santa Claus, holiday-themed activities, and the chance to share their wish lists. The event often features live entertainment, carolers, and warming stations where visitors can enjoy hot cocoa and seasonal treats.
The Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights has become a cherished tradition for the Little Rock community, fostering a sense of togetherness and holiday spirit. Whether it's a romantic evening stroll or a family adventure, this magical event invites everyone to celebrate the joy and wonder of the season.
The Trail of Lights will take place from December 01 to December 30, 2023 from 6:00p.
Martina McBride
Martina McBride, with her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt lyrics, stands as one of country music's enduring icons. Her career took flight in the early '90s, marked by the release of her debut album "The Time Has Come" in 1992. However, it was with her fourth album, "Wild Angels" (1995), that she earned widespread recognition. The title track, a poignant ballad, showcased McBride's ability to convey emotion with unparalleled sincerity.
Martina's discography is a rich tapestry of emotions and stories, weaving through themes of love, empowerment, and resilience. Hits like "Independence Day" and "A Broken Wing" not only topped the charts but also resonated deeply with listeners, earning her numerous awards and accolades.
Beyond her musical prowess, McBride is known for her philanthropic endeavors, advocating for causes like domestic violence awareness and hunger relief. Her philanthropy, coupled with her powerful stage presence, has solidified her status as not just a singer, but a force for positive change.
In a genre often defined by its storytelling, Martina McBride's voice transcends lyrics, becoming a conduit for shared experiences. Her enduring career is a testament to the impact of authenticity in music, proving that, for McBride, every song is not just a performance but a connection with the soul of her audience.
You can watch McBride perform at the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort on November 30 at 7:00p as part of the Little Rock-Pine Bluff, AR concerts 2023.