The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s H.O. Clemmons Arena was transformed into a hub of health and empowerment on March 21 as the Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. hosted its fourth annual Black Family Wellness Expo.
The event brought together residents, healthcare providers and community leaders for a day dedicated to addressing health disparities and promoting proactive wellness. The expo’s success was marked by a significant increase in turnout and engagement, featuring 37 vendors and a wide array of services including preventive screenings, mental health resources and maternal health information.
Trammell Howell, the event’s tri-chair, described the conclusion of the expo as an overwhelming success that reflected a deep commitment to the families of Pine Bluff.
“We saw strong community participation, meaningful conversations around health equity, and active engagement at every level,” Howell said. “The event truly reflected our commitment to improving the well-being of families in Pine Bluff and the surrounding area.”
For local attendees like Beverly Blunt, the expo provided a vital bridge to community resources that are often difficult to navigate. Blunt was drawn to the arena to learn more about local offerings and found the experience deeply valuable, noting that the “healthy food demonstrations were excellent.”
Such events are vital to Blunt.
“It is very important for the community to have access because of the high price of healthcare and medicine,” she said. “I wanted to learn more about what is offered in our community.”
When asked about her biggest takeaway, she pointed to the connection between mind and body. “I learned how mental health affects your physical health,” she said.
The partnership with UAPB was central to the day’s operations. Cynthia A. Hunter, program manager at UAPB, detailed how the university provided a platform for experts to lead seminars on nutrition and fitness.
“The university provided expert speakers, including professors, researchers and healthcare professionals, to lead interactive workshops,” Hunter said. She emphasized that the event aligns with UAPB’s mission to educate employees and the public on the benefits of physical activity and the risk factors associated with chronic disease.
Workshops included nutrition, fitness and preventive care.
“The students actively participated in all activities and contributed to the success of the expo by engaging and interacting with vendors, speakers, and nutritionists,” Hunter explained.
Standout moments included “Stretch & Connect” sessions and panel discussions focused on accessing affordable healthcare — a topic of high concern given current economic pressures and deep collaborations with UAPB’s Counseling and Student Wellness departments, LifeShare Blood Drive, and the Baptist Health Maternal Team.
Reflecting on the day’s impact, Howell observed that attendees were particularly concerned with chronic disease prevention and access to affordable care. Looking ahead, she said organizers plan to broaden outreach and expand health services for next year. As Howell summarized, the mission remains rooted in service and education, ensuring that families have the tools to take proactive steps toward a healthier future.
“Each year our event has shown noticeable growth,” said Howell. “We plan to broaden our outreach efforts, grow the number of participating vendors, and expand the range of health services available. Our goal is to connect with even more families while building on the strong momentum established this year.”
Young participants get hands-on with healthy food prep during an interactive cooking demonstration at the Black Family Wellness Expo on Saturday, March 21, 2026, learning practical skills for better nutrition. (Special to the Commercial)
Community members engage with health resources and activities, including a disaster-relief information booth, highlighting wellness, preparedness, and community support at the Black Family Wellness Expo on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Special to the Commercial)
Sandra Brown, director of the Jefferson Comprehensive Care System Inc.; Kimber Higginbotham of the Jefferson County Health Department; and Sharonda Haywood of ArchWell Health participate in a session that allows attendees to meet trusted local providers and learn how to access quality healthcare and community resources at the Black Family Wellness Expo on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Special to The Commercial)
