I Am Northwest Arkansas® Emma Willis Discusses Preserving Black History in Northwest Arkansas
About the Show:
"All of these stories are intertwined and connected, and they bring up these very interesting stories about what was it like to be black in Northwest Arkansas."
- Emma Willis
About the Guest:
Emma Willis is the founder of Impact Period and a representative for NWA Black Heritage. She is passionate about preserving African American history and culture in Northwest Arkansas. Emma is currently spearheading an effort to establish the first Black Fayetteville Historic District in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Her dedication to this cause involves extensive research, community engagement, and advocacy, aiming to recognize and celebrate the contributions of African Americans in the region.
Episode Summary:
In this enriching episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Emma Willis to discuss an extraordinary project aimed at establishing the first Black Historic District in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Emma, the founder of Impact Period and a leading representative of the NWA Black Heritage organization, shares her journey working on this historic project. She delves into the rich, yet under-acknowledged, history of African Americans in Northwest Arkansas, the significance of preserving this history, and the community-driven efforts behind the project.
Emma highlights the challenges of getting community buy-in, understanding the local and state laws, and dealing with the logistical intricacies of preserving historically significant yet often disregarded areas. Through discussions about the historical context—spanning from the era of slavery to the Great Migration and civil rights activism—Emma educates listeners on the deep roots and significant contributions of African Americans in the area. She also explores the concept of Afrofuturism, envisioning a future where African American history is celebrated and preserved in innovative and community-centered ways.
Key Takeaways:
- Historic Preservation Efforts: Emma emphasizes the importance of preserving the rich history of African Americans in Northwest Arkansas and the creation of the first Black Fayetteville Historic District.
- Community Engagement: The episode explores how Emma and her team engage with the community, educating residents about the significance and process of creating a historic district.
- Challenges in Implementation: From legal hurdles to community buy-in and logistical challenges, the episode sheds light on the complexities involved in historic preservation projects.
- Economic and Cultural Impact: Establishing the historic district aims to bring educational, economic, and cultural benefits, helping to create a diverse and inclusive community.
- Afrofuturism Vision: Emma shares her vision of an Afrofuturism museum and the broader future she envisions for celebrating African American history and culture.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
NWA Black Heritage on Instagram
NWA Black Heritage on Facebook
NWA Black Heritage on LinkedIn
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.
This episode is sponsored by*
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:
- Grab our Newsletter
- Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.com
- Connect With Our Facebook Page
- Connect With Us on Threads
- Connect With Our Instagram
- Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
- Join The Facebook Group
- Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn
Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.
Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas
Mentioned in this episode:
FindItNWA.com
Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"
Winetopia 2025
We’re back at the barn! Winetopia is THE annual event that highlights the best of what our NWA Community has to offer, and we are thrilled to be back at the Barn at the Stonebreaker this year! Winetopia is where you can taste incredible top-tier wine, local craft beer, top-shelf bourbon, a variety of other spirits from our favorite local distilleries, AND hand-crafted mocktails. A specially-selected menu from Stonebreaker catering and our favorite Mia Tarts round out the evening! A ticket is all you need to access one of the most special nights of the year. Your favorite features from Winetopia will be there - the famous wine toss with Carny in the Corner, DJ Shortfuze spinning smooth tracks all night long, and the best silent auction around! You’ve been waiting all year for this event, and it’s now around the corner! We cannot wait to see you there!
Apple Seeds An Evening at the Farm, Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Evening at the Farm is a celebration of community and togetherness. Gather with friends, family, and fellow food enthusiasts for a memorable farm-to-table meal. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of our most beloved traditions, celebrating the flavors of the season and the community that makes it all possible. By attending this event, you'll not only treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary experience but also support our mission to empower and nourish our community.