As an anchor to Little Rock’s famed 9th St. Corridor, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center continues its 140-year legacy of service with a fully renovated permanent exhibit that brings visitors into the story of 9th St., Black History and Mosaic Templars of America.
This extraordinary class of Trailblazers represents the outstanding individuals who help preserve and carry forward the spirit of the Mosaic Templars Building Preservation Society.
Kanesha Adams
Kanesha Adams, is an educator, advocate, and “change agent.” She currently serves as a Project Manager for Scholastic and the Deputy Director for The Generator in Pine Bluff. She is the proud CEO of her own educational startup, Bearapy Bookshelf where she has published over 25 Children’s books in the last two years and provided digital exposure, access and resources to over 100 Children’s book authors.
Chris Jones
Dr. Chris Jones was the first African American to be nominated for Governor by a major political party in Arkansas. His award-winning campaign launch video was the most viewed campaign launch video in the country. Jones holds five degrees. They include math and physics degrees from Morehouse College, nuclear engineering and policy degrees and a Ph.D. in urban studies and planning from MIT. Jones is the author of a 30-day devotional, Quantum Pearls.
Michael Ankton
Michael is a lifelong Arkadelphian. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School and Henderson State University. He serves as a Middle School Social Studies Teacher in Arkadelphia and is serving his first term as the youngest African American Justice of the Peace in the state of Arkansas. Michael has received recognition for his community service and government leadership from both local and state organizations. He is a proud brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Zaria Moore
Zaria Moore, a business marketing student and visionary behind the Emerging Scholars Leadership Academy (ESLA). Zaria’s commitment to preserving the legacy of civil rights pioneers and deep family ties to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) fueled the passion to create a positive change. Her commitment to using her leadership to help bridge the gap for students, exemplifies a dedication to creating a brighter future for the community.
Marcus Eubanks
My name is Marcus Eubanks. I’m one of only three African American men to ever win an Emmy Award in the history of Arkansas. I won the Emmy Award for bringing light to the story of the Elaine Massacre, which was not very widely known before the story aired on KARK-4 News. I have continued to search for these types of stories after creating my first Black, privately owned streaming channel in Arkansas, Resurgent TV.
Bjorn Simmons
Bjorn K. Simmons, venture catalyst, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, serves as the Executive Director of the Multicultural Business Xcellerator (MBX) at Winrock International. A UofA graduate and Chairman of the Board at the Walton College of Business Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Bjorn’s national recognitions highlight his steadfast work in entrepreneurship and innovation. Hailing from NLR, Arkansas, he passionately bridges the gap to generational wealth through technology, equity, and an unwavering dedication to education and diversity.
Rodney Block
Rodney Block is a Dumas, Arkansas native. Block has been featured and performed in various festivals and venues across the globe and has a niche in the genres of jazz today’s top artists. In 2007, Block’s televised jazz feature, AETN Presents: Front Row with Rodney Block, was nominated for Regional Emmy. The band was honored Aurora Award and Telly Award. Fans can listen to the Rodney Block jazz station on iTunes, Pandora Radio and Spotify platforms.
Stacey McAdoo
Stacey McAdoo, our “Forever 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year,” is the founding Executive Director for Teach Plus Arkansas and Arkansas Professor-in-Residence at Reach University. With 20+ years of experience, she’s an esteemed educator and equity advocate. Stacey is a sought-after professional development facilitator and founder of The Writeous Poets, a spoken word and youth advocacy collective. She serves as President of Central Arkansas Library System Board and an appointed member of several other boards.
Vinson Joiner
His current role is CEO /President Legendary Institute Barber College. Vinson Joiner is happily married to his beautiful wife Yolanda Joiner and has a blended family of four sons. Mr. Joiner is also the founder of K.I.D.S. Foundation (Knowing I Did Something) who’s mission is to increase the knowledge of young men on professionalism, presentation, and image.
Terri Hollingsworth
Terri Hollingsworth was elected on November 6, 2018, to a four-year term as the Circuit and County Clerk of Pulaski County. She received the most votes of any candidate on the ballot in Pulaski County. Sworn in on January 1, 2019, Ms. Hollingsworth is the first African American woman elected to a Pulaski County-wide executive position. Hollingsworth was reelected in 2022 and is currently serving in her second term.
Joyce Warren
Joyce Elise Williams Warren, a native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was one of the first black students to integrate West Side Junior High School. She was also the first Black female graduate of the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law, the first Black law clerk to serve the Arkansas Supreme Court, the first Black female judge in Arkansas, the first Black person in Arkansas elected to a state level trial court judgeship, the first Black president of the Arkansas Judicial Council and the first Black chairperson of the Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission. Joyce was inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 2023.
Brittany Moss
Brittany Moss, a remarkable woman who wears many hats. As a devoted mother and loving wife, she knows the true meaning of family.Britany is the proud owner of Southwest Academy and the crowned Mrs Woman Entrepreneur Arkansas. Brittany won many awards for her impact in the community such as Entrepreneur of the year for Arklatex, she has also been recognized as one of the 20 in their 20s most influential leaders in Arkansas.
Wendell Scales Jr.
Wendell Scales Jr., M.A., is a proactive leader who has pioneered many first-of-its-kind innovative educational opportunities to meet the demands of our ever-changing workforce. These programs focused on mentorship, STEM, financial literacy, agriculture, social justice, educator diversity, economic development, and community engagement. His expertise brings transformational value that drives youth development. Throughout his career, he has secured over $20 million in funding to support outreach, scholarships, and K-12 pathway initiatives that improve student success outcomes.
Tara Shephard
I am a first term legislator serving in the 94th General Assembly. I represent District 79 which includes Southwest, Otter Creek, Mablevale and parts of Alexander. During my first term, I championed issues related to healthcare, children and passed an Opioid bill, which was signed into law by the Governor Sanders. That same legislation has now been introduced in Congress for federal law. I am also a former board director with LRSD.
Theresa Timmons
Theresa Timmons, a dynamic leader dedicated to youth and the arts in Arkansas, is the visionary founder of the Timmons Arts Foundation, Designers Choice Fashion Preview, and the Westwind School for Performing Arts. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Westwind, Theresa’s passion for education and the arts has impacted generations. Over the last decade, she has touched the lives of over 8,000 children, embodying her commitment to shaping a brighter future where creatives thrive.
