The community gathered for Stuttgart’s Celebrating Culture Black History event Saturday, which served as a platform for political ambition, community recognition and a dramatic defense of Black history’s importance. The day’s program featured a compelling speech from a political figure, emotional award presentations and a unique theatrical mock trial.

The Grand Prairie Center Auditorium was filled with joy, pride and celebration as the city hosted its 4th annual Black History program, “Do It for the Culture!” Organized by former Stuttgart City Council member Joe Alexander Jr. and co-hosted by Ariel Alexander and Eric Alexander, the event brought together community members, leaders and special guests to honor Black history, culture and achievements.

The program, conceived by Executive Director Joe Alexander Jr. in November 2022, has grown into a cherished tradition in Stuttgart. In his director’s note, Alexander expressed gratitude for the community’s unwavering support, stating, “We pray that you all will have a great time and enjoy the program as we celebrate YOU! Doing it for the Culture!”

David Walker of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was honored as the 2025 Person of the Year. His achievements, both on and off the football field, were recognized. Walker’s journey, which began in his birthplace of Stuttgart, is a powerful reflection of his faith, purpose and commitment to serving others.

Walker’s accolades include being a three-time All-American in 2023, earning six All-American team recognitions in 2022 and receiving the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award in 2024 as the top defensive player in FCS football. His influence extends beyond sports. He received the Community Service Award at the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl for his dedication to mentoring and leadership.

Walker’s guiding philosophy, rooted in his faith, emphasizes that “everything you do is an act of worship unto the Lord.” His achievements and character have made him a role model for aspiring athletes and young leaders in Stuttgart and beyond.

The program also honored several outstanding individuals and families for their contributions to the community. The Johnson family was recognized as the Family of the Year for their dedication and impact. Other honorees included Joe Alexander Sr., Pamela Allen, Jamesha Owens, Kim Cunningham-Brumfield, Rickie Cox, Ariel Alexander, Dr. Latara Robinson, Winston Scott, Arkansas County Justice of the Peace Inez Reynolds-Mclemore and Luke “CoolHand” Green. Their efforts and accomplishments were celebrated as part of the evening’s festivities, highlighting the importance of community and cultural pride.

Robinson, the principal of Stuttgart Junior High, gave a speech that was a deeply personal and inspirational account of her journey to success, emphasizing faith and resilience. She began by acknowledging the difficulty of her path, noting that many see only “the Dr. Tara Robinson that I had become,” not the struggles of paying bills and raising her son on a very low income. Her core message was one of profound faith and trust in God, no matter the circumstances, declaring, “Just trust out to know that he will bring you through.”

She revealed that her current role as principal was not initially her ambition; her dream job was to teach math. She applied for the assistant principal position reluctantly, and surprisingly, was offered the job just two weeks later, an event she credits as a sign that “that was no one but God.”

Robinson powerfully countered earlier negative narratives about her life, recalling that she had her first child at 18 and “was told I wouldn’t be anything.” She concluded by urging the audience to “break those generational curses” and ensure their children do not have to be “a product of their environment,” encouraging them to see how God can see them through their own struggles.

Ariel Alexander, receiving the High Achievement award, used her platform as a nurse and mental health advocate to address an important issue. Her message addressed mental wellness, with a specific focus on the African American community.

“Mental health, especially in the Black community, is stigmatized. I know that we feel like we have to just be super strong, especially our Black men,” she said. “Don’t look down on anyone who is advocating for you to seek mental health treatment … in helping yourself, you will help those around you.”

She urged the audience to “start initiating any services that are needed as far as our mental health,” emphasizing that mental deterioration affects other aspects of life.

Justice of the Peace Inez Reynolds-Mclemore’s speech was a message of community, appreciation and a call for engagement. After being introduced with a biography that highlighted her diverse career, including running businesses in Chicago and serving on the Arkansas Quorum Court in her third term as justice of the peace for District 6, she took the stage to share a personal message.

“I just want to thank you for appreciating me. This is our community,” she said.

The central theme of her speech revolved around support and love for the community. She voiced concern over the current state of affairs, urging the audience to “stay strong.” She concluded with a direct and urgent appeal for unity and action: “We need to start engaging, and that starts with love.”

The evening also included a skit by Sheila Walker Productions and appearances by notable guests such as Sen. Fred Love and Cali Reed of Pine Bluff, Stuttgart’s Miss Juneteenth 2025. Rocyaeardrumz, a social media influencer, also performed.

Love’s address pivoted to a challenge of civic duty and honoring the legacy of those who fought before them. He asked, “What are you willing to sacrifice? … We have to stand up and sacrifice today.”

The theatrical production “The People Vs. Black History” anchored the second half of the event. The mock trial followed a case brought against Black History Month in Stuttgart.

The dramatic climax of the proceedings was reached during the testimony of Diamond Wright, whose divorced parents were both attorneys on the case — one representing the plaintiff and the other the defense. In an emotional confrontation about her father’s stance, she spoke of the Black pioneers whose medical innovations saved her life.

Addressing her father directly, she delivered a powerful summation of the argument: “So basically what I’m hearing is if you don’t believe in Black history, that means you don’t believe that I should be here today,” she said. “You’re a Black man. Oh, Black man, you are Black history. I love you, and I forgive you.”

The production concluded with a final statement on the verdict of the trial: “Black history matters. We are Black history. We can make Black history. Today we can start with us today. Think about it.”