Local Non-profit and Businesses Give Thanks to De Queen Officer for Hispanic Heritage Month

NEWS RELEASE

Minority Affairs Council            Contact: 

October 6th, 2021                    DQUnity@Gmail.com 

Local non-profit and businesses give thanks to De Queen Officer for Hispanic Heritage Month

DE QUEEN, AR— In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, a local inclusive group teamed up with area businesses to show appreciation for one stand-out officer in De Queen last week.

The Minority Affairs Council of Southwest Arkansas (MAC) partnered with local companies who donated certificates and items that were collected for a gift basket and presented to Patrolman Gilberto Elizondo of the De Queen Police Department Friday, October 8th.

The group selected Gilberto because of his dedication to helping the community and the positive example he has set for others. Prior to working for the De Queen Police Department, he was employed at the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department as a Detention Officer. For both agencies, Gilberto has assisted with translating Spanish and English when a language barrier occurs between law enforcement and residents. In addition to helping translate, the patrolman also serves as a role model for younger generations to look up to, as he graduated from both De Queen High School and Southern Arkansas University before becoming a public servant in his hometown.

As many cities note rising tension between community members and law enforcement agencies, MAC is working on efforts to connect groups and individuals in the Southwest Arkansas area. The non-profit’s first community project was commissioning the “Welcome to De Queen” mural painted by Artist Darlene Taylor on the Eastern Edge of town. In addition to showing appreciation for local leaders like Elizondo and bringing fresh art to the area, MAC is working to develop events and strategies that will help unite the community as a whole.

The businesses who donated for the appreciation gift include Sweet Cravings, Smart Phone EMT De Queen, Handi Mart, Pollos Assados Querentano’s, and Cricket wireless.  MAC and each partnering company would like to express thanks to Elizondo and all the officers who protect and serve our local communities daily.

The Minority Affairs Council can be found on Facebook or reached by email at @DQunity@gmail.com 

New Non-Profit Group Completes Artwork Project in De Queen

NEWS RELEASE

Minority Affairs Council Contact: 720-477-9659

May 5th, 2021 DQUnity@Gmail.com

New Non-Profit Group Completes Artwork Project in De Queen

DE QUEEN, AR— A new inclusive local organization has brought a “Welcome to De Queen” mural to Sevier County as their first community project this month.

The Minority Affairs Council of Southwest Arkansas (MAC) launched the effort after a series of vandalisms emerged around the town late last year. To bring the project to life, the group rallied area partners, hired an artist and collaborated with the community to develop a vision for the design.

The multi-panel work of art was created by Texarkana-based artist Darlene Taylor and features a splash of colors and characters, along with greetings in Spanish, Choctaw, Marshallese and various languages. On May 1st, a dedication and prayer gathering was held by MAC and open to the community. The painting site is located at the “Storage-N-Lock” building owned by De Queen Schools Librarian Betty Stone on the Eastern edge of town.

In addition to covering up graffiti and bringing a new work of art the city, MAC also wanted to complete the mural project as an example of how residents can take action to create change in their community.

After holding open forums in the fall of 2020 and early 2021 to generate interest, MAC formed with the purpose of bringing area residents from different backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, genders and socioeconomic status together with a common goal: Unity.

The group has committed to organizing events and projects that will uplift the underserved and unite the Sevier County Community as a whole.

Local partners who helped organize and support the “Welcome to De Queen” mural project include artist funding by SmartPhone EMT De Queen, paint provided by James and Suzanne Babb purchased from Bailey Discount Building Supply, videography by Chris Chandler, fuel sponsorship from MAC members and beverages for the artist sponsored by Jitterbug Java in De Queen.

The group would like to say “Thank you” to all supporters and invite the public out to the next meeting, Friday May 7th at 6:30 pm at The De Queen Sportsplex. (Alternate location to be determined in the event of inclement weather.)

All meetings are open to the public and available on Facebook live. Ideas for the next group project are welcome and can be submitted to @DQunity@gmail.com or the “Minority Affairs Council” Facebook page online.