During the last 12 months, Arkansans continued to cope with the ongoing pandemic, spoke out against legislation that could harm marginalized communities and expressed themselves through art. Arkansas Soul shared several of those stories with you and before we head into 2022, we want to take one more look back at the year that was.
Here are 10 of our favorite stories from 2021:
Students Use Hip Hop to Cope with Personal Trauma in New Documentary
At a high school in Helena-West Helena, students seek healing for themselves and equity in their community through hip hop. The documentary Rap Squad shares their story.
UA Little Rock Ceramics Professor Receives Individual Art Fellowship Award
When first studying ceramics, Japanese native Kensuke Yamada discovered how art made him feel was more important than his fluency in English. Today he’s a University of Arkansas at Little Rock teacher and Arkansas Arts Council fellowship award recipient.
Arkansas Women of Color Face Barriers to Entrepreneurship, Study Finds
A study from the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas finds access to capital and racial bias are the biggest barriers facing women of color entrepreneurs in the state.
Migrant Worker Reaches for Stars, Becomes Astronaut
As a 10-year-old migrant farm worker, José Hernández decided he wanted to be an astronaut. Decades later, he achieved his dream of traveling to space for NASA.
Emergency Rental Assistance Much Needed in Marshallese Community
Lost wages due the to pandemic has led many Marshallese families to seek emergency rental assistance to avoid eviction. When applying for help, they’ve faced roadblocks like the language barrier, technology and waiting weeks for approval.
Hot Springs Poet Receives Governor’s Arts Award
Elmer Beard is an 83-year-old poet from Hot Springs known as the Octo Griot. After writing poetry for decades, he has published his first book and been honored as a Governor’s Arts Awards recipient.
Native American Tribes Provide COVID-19 Vaccines to Public
When COVID-19 were not as accessible in March, the Cherokee and Chickasaw Nations began offering vaccinations to the general public — including undocumented immigrants — no matter where they lived.
Advocate Fights for Reform, Dignity in Criminal Justice System
After being incarcerated for seven years, Ruby Welch is now an activist fighting for reform and dignity in the criminal justice system.
Afghan Fulbright Scholars Concerned About Uncertain Future, Family’s Safety
The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan upended the lives of Afghan Fulbright Scholars who are studying in the U.S. and worried about their relatives in their home country. One University of Arkansas teacher is trying to help them find answers.
Ida B. Wells Descendent Headlines Journalism Conference
Ida B. Wells was a prominent journalist and activist. Michelle Duster shares some stories about her grand-grandmother’s life in her book “Ida B. the Queen: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Ida B. Wells.”