Activities
Throughout its history, the Twin City Black History Association (TCBHA) has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to hosting distinguished speakers at its Annual Banquet. These speakers have graciously shared their personal journeys, challenges, and insights, inspiring all in attendance. Among the esteemed individuals who have graced the event as honored speakers are Mr. Joe Clark, renowned Lecturer and Educator; Dr. Debbye Turner, Miss America 1990; Representative Judy Smith, Arkansas Congresswoman; Dr. James A. Baxter, Principal of Milan Middle School in Milan, Texas; Dr. Fitzgerald Hill, President of Arkansas Baptist University; Dr. Wynona Bryant-Williams, Director of Arkansas Minority Health; General William Johnson, Duty General of the Arkansas National Guard; Linda Pondexter-Chesterfield, Arkansas State Senator; Joyce Elliott, Arkansas State Senator; Jerry "Boo" Mitchell, Investigative Reporter from Jackson, Mississippi; Darrell Brown, the First African American to play football for the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; George McGill, Arkansas State Representative and former Fort Smith Arkansas Mayoral Candidate (now elected as Mayor of Fort Smith); and Honorable Carlton Jones, Arkansas Eighth South Judicial Circuit. Additionally, TCBHA has had the privilege of hosting esteemed local speakers, including Dr. Kenneth West, Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Dr. Angela Perry, Ophthalmologist; Deborah Traylor, Principal; Lt. Col. Anderson Neal Jr., 188th Fighter Wing (AANG); and Dr. Larry Sullivan, Former City Manager of Texarkana, Texas. These notable figures reflect TCBHA's ongoing efforts to bring innovative and influential speakers to the Texarkana region.
The TCBHA eagerly looks forward to making diverse contributions to the community. Each member is committed to executing these initiatives effectively, dedicating significant effort to positively influence lives. Even amid their demanding forty-hour workweeks, members willingly invest extra time to fulfill their duties with steadfast dedication.
“What I try to tell young people is that if you come together with a mission, and it’s grounded with love and a sense of community, you can make the impossible possible.” – John Lewis
Citywide Church Service
The citywide church service brings various groups together to serve, worship and fellowship in one place. As a unified group, it is a way to thank God for the success that the organization has achieved over the years and sharing the love of humanity with each other. The church event rotates each year from the Texas side to the Arkansas side and a minister from the opposite side delivers God’s word respectfully.
Black History Parade
Following the church service is the annual Black History Parade, a unifying event that celebrates Black History and fosters community cohesion. The event's popularity has steadily increased each year, and we anticipate continued growth in the future. We extend a warm invitation to all to participate in the parade, and eagerly anticipate the presence of our dedicated supporters along the parade route.
Brunch
Sandra Calloway Memorial Scholarship
Mrs. Sandra Calloway demonstrated a deep interest in the welfare of youth within the community, a sentiment shared by the Twin City Black History Association (TCBHA), which sought to uphold her legacy by raising funds to support youth initiatives. Married to Thomas Calloway and mother to Shawn and Tracie, Mrs. Calloway's vision continues through the scholarships provided. The proceeds from our event have facilitated the awarding of up to three scholarships annually to paraprofessionals and/or graduating seniors. The application process is open to individuals from all backgrounds, emphasizing inclusivity without regard to race, creed, or color. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply, with the primary requirement being a commitment to a major in education, a field that held special significance to Sandra Calloway throughout her life.
Philanthropic Activities
Following Black History Month, the Twin Cities Black History Association (TCBHA) is actively engaged in donating both time and financial resources to numerous organizations within the Twin Cities area. These initiatives include:
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The annual School Supply Drive, a significant contribution by TCBHA benefiting local schools in Texarkana.
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Collaborating with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority on a coat drive.
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The TCBHA Fan Collections initiative, aimed at collecting and distributing fans to elderly individuals and those facing hardship.
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Providing monetary support to the Single Parent organization scholarship fund.