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Democracy Project

Delivering America’s Promise

The American Democracy Project recognizes our role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens in our democracy.
 
The American Democracy Project (ADP) is a civic engagement initiative launched in 2003 as a collaborative effort of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the New York Times. Today, more than 230 institutions of higher learning share in the mission of this project. 
 
American Democracy Project campuses share in three qualities that define our work and characterize our common commitments:
 
  • We are institutions of access and opportunity. We believe the American promise should be real for all Americans and that belief shapes our commitment to access, affordability, and educational opportunity, and in the process, strengthens American democracy for all citizens.
  • We are student-centered institutions. We place the student in the heart of our enterprise, enhancing the learning environment and student achievement not only through teaching and advising but through our research, discussion, and public service activities.
  • We are stewards of place. We engage students, faculty, and staff with the communities and regions we serve, helping to advance public education, economic development, and the quality of life for all with whom we live and who support our work.
 

2025 MLK Day Celebration

The theme of this year's MLK Day Celebration is "Doing the Right Thing All the Time."

Numerous activities are planned on campus and throughout the Fort Smith community.

The Democracy Project is also holding a peanut butter drive in conjunction with all MLK Week events. Peanut butter jars collected at the UAFS Welcome Center during this week will be donated to the River Valley Foodbank.

A civil rights display will be at the Boreham Library

UAFS Campus

All events will take place at the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center fireplace.

Viewing: MLK's "The Time is Always Right to do the Right Thing" Speech

  • Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
  • Date: Tuesday, Jan. 21

Speaker: Dr. Farreol Hansen, UAFS adjunct professor of political science - "The U.S. Supreme Court Does the Right Thing: A Look at a Few Key Cases that have Advanced Social Justice"

  • Time: 10-10:50 a.m.
  • Date: Wednesday, Jan. 22

Speaker: Bente Eriksen, CEO of the Literacy Council of Western Arkansas - "Doing the Right Thing in Western Arkansas: The Job Description of the Literacy Council of Western Arkansas"

  • Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
  • Date: Thursday, Jan. 23

Speaker: Dr. Ann-Gee Lee, UAFS professor of English, rhetoric, and writing - "Experience the Right Thing: The Walking of the Civil Rights Trail During a Maymester Trip"

  • Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
  • Date: Friday, Jan. 24

Community Events

MLK Awards Banquet

  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 18
  • Location: Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Reynolds Room
  • Speaker: Dr. Chris Jones
  • Tickets: $50

Annual Ecumenical Service 

  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Date: Sunday, Jan. 19
  • Location: St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4916 High St., Fort Smith
  • Speaker: The Rev. William L. Robinson, First Baptist Church North Little Rock, Arkansas

MLK Day Prayer Breakfast

  • Time: 7-9 a.m.
  • Date: Monday, Jan. 20
  • Location: Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Reynolds Room
  • Speaker: M. Weatherspoon, NAACP president of Hot Springs
  • Cost: FREE

MLK Parade

  • Time: 11 a.m.
  • Date: Monday, Jan. 20
  • Location: Garrison Avenue, starting at 6th Street

2024 Meet the Voters: A Town Hall with Political Candidates

Multiple candidates. Multiple visions. One seat. Who are they? What do they want to achieve? Why should you vote for them? Join us to get answers to these questions. The UAFS Democracy Project will host town halls with local candidates for the following offices

Arkansas House District 50

  • Time: Noon
  • Date: Monday, Oct. 21, 2024
  • Location: Windgate Auditorium
  • Candidates: Robin W. McCray (D) and State Rep. Zack Gramlich (R)

Fort Smith Board of Directors Ward 3

  • Time: Noon
  • Date: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024
  • Location: Windgate Auditorium
  • Candidates: Lee Kemp, Carl Nevin, and Russell E. Bragg

Arkansas House District 51

  • Time: Noon
  • Date: Friday, Nov. 1, 2024
  • Location: Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center 129-A/B
  • Candidate: Jane-Ellen Udouj-Kutchka (D)
 

From ADP Civic Engagement 2.0 Literature

Throughout the academic year, our campus ADP committee recognizes Constitution Week (centered on Constitution Day, Sept. 17) and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (third Monday in January). Additionally, we offer voter registration drives, featured speakers, panel discussions, and other events aimed at fostering civic engagement and political participation on our campus and in the Fort Smith community.
 
All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend our meetings and to participate in our events. If you would like to learn more about the UAFS Democracy Project or serve on the UDP Taskforce, please contact Dr. Williams Yamkam, chair of the UAFS Democracy Project.
 

UAFS/American Democracy Project Social Media

 

For more information, contact:

Dr. Williams Yamkam
Vines 112
479-788-7981

Williams.Yamkam@uafs.edu