Black History & Culture
Little Rock is no stranger to the changing tide of history and its power to shape a community.
Explore a detailed look into Black history and culture with our guide on a significant part of Little Rock's past. Enrich your learning about the Civil Rights Movement, journeying through a historic trail in Little Rock. Including a cultural center, annual traditions, and local organizations, Little Rock's past, present, and future reflect goals for meaningful change.
Our History
When most people think of Little Rock, they think of Central High School and the desegregation crisis of 1957, and they do so for good reason. The story of the Little Rock Nine is one of courage in the face of fear and righteousness in the wake of hate; a story that still, to this day, guides our city on the path to justice.
But our history didn’t begin in 1957, nor did our progress stop there. We continue to reflect on the ways our Black residents have helped shape our community into the modern and thriving city it is.
Today, Little Rock’s historic civil rights sites are a backbone of the community. Six of these sites are included on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, on which Little Rock is considered a “Top 10” destination. They dot the city, offering tangible connections to the past. Little Rock’s dining scene, widely acclaimed as one of the best in the South, is pillared by a bevy of Black-owned restaurants that can trace their history of service back not just decades but generations.
Another site on the U.S Civil Rights Trail, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center celebrates Arkansas’s unique African American experience through art collections, historical artifacts and children's exhibits. Located at the site of the original Mosaic Templars of American National Headquarters, the museum depicts Little Rock’s historic West Ninth Street as a thriving center of Black entrepreneurship.
In 2010, Little Rock became a majority-minority city, a trend that is reflected at all levels of city leadership. Little Rock now has a more diverse slate of elected leaders than at any other time. From the days of the indigenous Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw peoples to today, Little Rock is a city built on the intersection of our shared histories, and together those histories form the foundation of our community – a community that is the perfect place for your next vacation.
Our Culture
Black culture in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a tapestry woven with resilience, artistry, and historical significance. With a rich history deeply rooted in the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement, the Black community has left a lasting mark on the city's cultural fabric. From the historic Central High School, where the Little Rock Nine courageously fought for desegregation in 1957, to the thriving music scene and art exhibitions that celebrate Black creativity, Little Rock is a testament to the resilience and contributions of its Black residents.
Today, Little Rock honors the achievements of the Black community through festivals, galleries, and cultural celebrations. The city's soulful jazz and blues heritage resonates through local venues, while African-American cuisine, such as soul food and barbecue, delights both residents and visitors alike. Festivals, like the Juneteenth celebration and Black History Month events, provide platforms for sharing and honoring the rich tapestry of Black history and accomplishments. Little Rock's Black culture embraces its past while fostering a spirit of unity, resilience, and artistic expression for generations to come.
In Little Rock, we know that history must never be forgotten and that it must be remembered in the correct context. That’s why, in June 2020, the City of Little Rock removed all Confederate statues and memorials from city parks, affirming its dedication to preserving an inclusive and just environment.
Local Resources
Little Rock is a city built for success. That’s why so many organizations that are dedicated to strengthening minority businesses and empowering families and communities are headquartered in Little Rock.
Here are a few of these organizations – you may even recognize a few familiar names.
- Arkansas Baptist College - Founded in 1884, this private and historically Black college offers four-year liberal arts educational programs.
- Arkansas Black Hall of Fame - This nonprofit organization awards grants to foundations with a focus in supporting African-American and other underserved communities.
- Arkansas Minority Health Commission (AMHC) - The AMHC aims to provide all Arkansas-based minority groups access to health care.
- Mexican Consulate in Little Rock - With the historic impact of the Braceroes, Little Rock became a home to a Consulate of Mexico, which provides a variety of resources for the Mexican community.
- Little Rock League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council - The Central LULAC 750 is focused on supporting opportunities for Hispanic Americans in Central Arkansas.
- Little Rock Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission (RCDC) - The RCDC is centered on advancing equal opportunities and civil rights for all Little Rock residents through educational programs and policy-focused goals.
- Philander Smith University - This private, four-year liberal arts university is the oldest Black educational institution in Little Rock.
- UA Little Rock Anderson Institute on Race and Ethnicity - This campus and community resource at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock aims to raise awareness of racial and ethnic justice.
- The Urban League of Arkansas - This nonprofit organization raises support on equal opportunities for all residents through housing, employment, health, and education.
- 100 Black Men of Greater Little Rock - With an aim to provide mentoring services, this program focuses on running educational and wellness programs for Black youth.