NEWS RELEASE

Minority Affairs Council Contact: 720-477-9659 February 9th, 2021 DQUnity@Gmail.com

Community Organizers Announce New Non-Profit Organization and Mural Project in De Queen

DE QUEEN, AR—A team of area organizers have launched an inclusive local group and announced plans for a community mural as their first project in De Queen this month.

The new Non-Profit organization is aiming to support the minority populations of Sevier County and unite the communities of Southwest Arkansas as a whole. After their most recent meeting held in downtown De Queen Thursday February 4th, leaders conducted a poll and voted “Minority Affairs Council” as the name for the group.

The first community goal carried out by the Minority Affairs Council will be to cover up graffiti markings with a “Welcome to De Queen Mural” on a storage unit business recently vandalized on the Eastern edge of town. MAC has received permission from the business owner to paint the building’s exterior and the group is in the process of commissioning a team of artists to bring the work of community art to life.

In addition to erasing the act of vandalism, the group also envisions the future mural to serve as a tourist attraction for visitors driving through on U.S Highway 70. Ideally, travelers can take a family photo at the “Welcome to De Queen Mural” and stop for coffee and food at nearby Jitterbug Java and Hachi Hachi restaurants on the way through town.

The Minority Affairs Council also hopes to use the mural as an opportunity to promote the diverse cultures of Sevier County and talks of possibly painting leaders of De Queen’s past or the word “Welcome” in different languages on the piece are in the works as well. This decision, along with selecting a Board of Directors and finalizing regular meeting places and times are on the agenda for the next meeting on February 18th.

Other goals for the group this year include planning an annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, organizing authentic Hispanic Heritage month events and a Juneteenth celebration to embrace African-American culture. The Minority Affairs Council also hopes to support BIPOC residents in pursuing local Government, build a multi-cultural center and African-American museum in the future.

To fund the community mural, a series of fundraisers will be held to collect money to pay for the supplies and provide artist compensation.

People of all ages, ethnicities, religions and cultures are welcome to be involved in the Minority Affairs Council and the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 18th at 7:30pm at Party Room Candela in Downtown De Queen.

All meetings can also be viewed on Facebook live and in-person meeting attendees are encouraged to wear masks and social distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For questions, please contact DQunity@gmail.com