Activities
Over the years, TCBHA have been very committed to bringing in well known speakers to Texarkana for the Annual Banquet. They have all shared their stories, and struggles, and inspired us all. The list of previous honored speakers include: Mr. Joe Clark- Lecturer and Educator, Dr. Debbye Turner- Miss America 1990, Representative Judy Smith- Arkansas Congresswoman, Dr. James A Baxter- Principal Milan Middle School Milan, Texas, Dr. Fitzgerald Hill- President of Arkansas Baptist University, Dr. Wynona Bryant-Williams – Director of Arkansas Minority Health, General William Johnson- Duty General- Arkansas National Guard, Linda Pondexter-Chesterfield – Arkansas State Senator, Joyce Elliott – Arkansas State Senator, Jerry "Boo" Mitchell- Investigative Reporter- Jackson, Mississippi, Darrell Brown – the First African American to play football for the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and George McGill – Arkansas State Representative and then Fort Smith Arkansas Mayoral Candidate (has since been elected as Mayor of Fort Smith). The TCBHA has been honored to have local honored speakers which include: 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. As you can see TCBHA is busy trying to bring the most innovated speakers to the Texarkana area.
TCBHA looks forward to giving back to the community in any way possible. To carry out these activities successfully, each and every member works diligently to make a difference in someone’s life. Many members have a forty-hour work week and never complains about the extra time required to fulfill these duties and responsibilities.
“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, an all-inclusive event that brings the community together to share in the tribute to Black History. Participation grows each year and we are looking forward to future growth. All are encouraged to join in the parade. We look forward to seeing all of our loyal supporters on the sidelines.
Banquet
Sandra Calloway Scholarship
Mrs. Sandra Calloway was interested and concerned about the youth in the community and TCBHA had a desire to continue her vision by generating funds to assist youth. She was the wife of Thomas Calloway and mother of Shawn and Tracie. Funds raised during our banquet have enabled us to give up to three $500.00 scholarships a year to graduating seniors. Scholarship applications are sent to area school districts, and race, creed or color are not determining factors. All students are encouraged to apply. The main criterion of the scholarship is students must major in education, because that was Sandra's passion until her death.
Philanthropic Activities
Following Black History Month, TCBHA is active donating time and monetary donations to various organizations within the twin cities.
-
A major donation provided by the TCBHA is the School Supply Drive to area schools in the Texarkana each year.
-
TCBHA partnered with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority with their coat drive.
-
TCBHA Fan Collections collects and distribute fans to the elderly and those in need.
-
TCBHA contributes monetary donations to the Single Parent organization scholarship fund.