The Arkansas State University P-20 Educational Innovation Center partnered with Every Child is Ours to host a cultural heritage event for local fourth graders. A-State invited seven schools from the Jonesboro, Nettleton and Tuckerman school systems to learn to be more aware of other cultures.

“We wanted the fourth graders to be aware of others and other cultures, so that we can all live peacefully and in harmony with everyone and respect one another’s culture,” said Dr. Mary Jane Bradley, dean of the college of education and behavioral science. 

Events like this one originated when Dr. Kelly Damphousse was still chancellor. Upon examining the reports of local schools, he saw that some of them struggled in math and language arts. 

“That’s when he gave us a challenge and that’s why we’ve started working with schools to make their children feel special and hopefully do well in school,” Bradley said. 

This is not the first time A-State has worked with Every Child is Ours, an organization based out of Tuckerman that focuses on hunger relief and education empowerment. In years past, they sent supplies to two Louisiana schools after Hurricane Ida struck, as well as teaching children to cook in the food pantry. 

“Our children are all wonderful. Sometimes we forget that everyone, even a child, needs to be motivated and needs to see they can succeed,” said Jan Paschal, founder of Every Child is Ours. 

The event saw a number of speakers from A-State and the community talk to the students about remaining committed to their education. Speakers included Diana Davis, KAIT 8 anchor, A-State student athletes and Bob Nash, former Under Secretary of Rural and Community Development in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

“I want you to look deep within yourself and figure out what your talents are,” Davis said. “No matter where you come from, you can do anything.”

During his speech, Nash had a key takeaway for the children.

“Listen to your parents, listen to your teachers, don’t abuse your body with drugs and alcohol,” Nash said. “You fourth graders are going to run this state, you’re going to run this country, you’re going to run corporations. But you’ve got to do what I’m telling you.”

The event also featured Alice Phelps, principal of the American Horse School, a K-8 school located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Phelps, along with two of her students, danced in the jingle dress style.

The dance originates from the Ojibwe tribe and features dresses with metal jingles. It is a sacred healing dance. 

“I’m just really thankful I’m able to share this with everybody, just to let everyone know that we’re still here and we’re alive and well and going strong,” Phelps said. “We continue to find ways to heal our people through the cycle of suppressions and atrocities that have occurred in the past.

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