The City of Arkadelphia has announced its 2026 class of Black History Month honorees. These five individuals are either from Arkadelphia or made an impact on Arkadelphia, and were selected by a nominating committee.
As in previous years, the 2026 class will have banners showing their likenesses displayed in the city’s downtown area throughout February. The 2026 banners are purple and can be found on Main Street between 6th Street and 7th Street.
A recognition ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9, in the Town Hall Atrium. The public is invited to attend the event.
The city provided the following bios of this year’s honorees:
Michael Ankton
Michael Ankton is the youngest individual ever elected to serve as a Justice of the Peace in Clark County, Arkansas. A native of Arkadelphia, Ankton attended Arkadelphia Public Schools from kindergarten through graduation, before continuing his education at Henderson State University.
While at Henderson State, Ankton earned a certificate in criminal justice, a Bachelor of Science in Education in Social Science Education, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Rural and Diverse Education from Southern Arkansas University.
Guided by the belief that “service is something you live,” Ankton felt called to seek public office while still a student. Wanting county leadership to better reflect the people it represents, he ran for Clark County’s Quorum Court and was elected in November 2022 to represent District 2, becoming the youngest Justice of the Peace in county history.
During his time on the Quorum Court, Ankton has led and supported several initiatives aimed at strengthening local government and improving public access. Among his proudest accomplishments is helping lead the effort to retain Clark County’s 911 ambulance service with local provider Valor EMS. He has also advocated for increased transparency by supporting the livestreaming of Quorum Court meetings, allowing residents to stay informed and engaged with county government.
Ankton is currently serving his second term as District 2 Justice of the Peace. In addition to his public service, he works as a middle school teacher at Goza Middle School and is a licensed funeral director in Arkadelphia.
Lacy Scott
Lacy Scott was the founder and operator of the first Black-owned dry-cleaning business in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Born in the Piney Grove community of Clark County, Scott’s life and career were shaped by determination, faith, and a belief in the power of hard work. With the encouragement and support of his wife, Maxine, Scott pursued his entrepreneurial vision during a time when opportunities for Black business owners were severely limited.
In the 1940s, navigating a segregated Clark County, Scott and his wife opened West End Cleaners along the west end corridor of Pine Street. Armed with little more than a third-grade education, Scott successfully owned and operated the business for more than 30 years, providing quality service while building trust and respect within the community. His perseverance and commitment made West End Cleaners both a successful enterprise and a symbol of opportunity and resilience.
Beyond his work as a business owner, Scott was deeply involved in civic and faith-based service. He served on the finance committee at Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of a biracial committee that helped establish the conditions and terms for school integration in Arkadelphia. Through these efforts, he played a meaningful role in advancing equality and social progress in the community.
A pioneer in both entrepreneurship and social justice, Scott’s legacy is rooted in service, courage, and faith. Of all his accomplishments, he considered his greatest success to be his marriage to Maxine and the family they built together—one grounded in love, commitment, and strong Christian values.
Dr. Patricia Wright
Dr. Patricia Wright is a dedicated leader, educator, and visionary whose life’s work has centered on strengthening children, families, and the greater Arkadelphia community. Born in Arkadelphia, Dr. Wright graduated from Peake High School in 1968 before continuing her education at Red River Vocational Technical School and Henderson State University. While at Henderson, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Science in Education, and Education Specialist degree. She later completed her Doctorate in Education at the University of Arkansas, reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning and leadership.
Dr. Wright’s passion for service and education began at a young age through her involvement at West End Presbyterian Church in Arkadelphia. As a teenager, she worked with the Ione Bynum Child Care Center, located in the church’s basement, where she gained early experience in organization, administration, and community-based care. These formative experiences laid the foundation for her future leadership in family and child advocacy.
In 1997, Dr. Wright’s work came full circle when the Community Family Enrichment Center (CFEC) found its first home in the former West End Presbyterian Church building. What began as a new chapter quickly grew into a nearly 30-year journey of service. Under her leadership, CFEC expanded into a comprehensive support hub for the community, offering after-school programs, early childhood education, Parents as Teachers programming, GED courses, a food pantry, and vital family resources. Dr. Wright’s guidance helped transform CFEC into a trusted and enduring pillar of support for Arkadelphia families.
When CFEC moved to its current location in 2001, Dr. Wright continued to lead the organization through growth, renovations, and times of uncertainty. She played a critical role in supporting families through food insecurity, public health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and life’s everyday milestones—from educational achievements to community celebrations.
Known for her servant’s heart and unwavering dedication, Dr. Wright has spent her career uplifting the community with a focus on children, families, and equitable opportunities for all. Her leadership, compassion, and vision have left a lasting legacy in Arkadelphia—one rooted in care, access, and hope.
Coach Willie Tate
Coach Willie Tate was a trailblazing educator and coach whose leadership left a lasting mark on athletics and education in Arkadelphia. Born in 1942 in Gum Springs, Tate was one of 14 children and learned early the values of teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition rooted in family and love. He attended Arkadelphia Public Schools, where he excelled both academically and athletically, graduating from Peake High School in 1962.
Following high school, Tate attended Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical, and Normal College (AM&N) in Pine Bluff, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. While at AM&N, he distinguished himself in football, baseball, and track, earning multiple opportunities to pursue professional athletics. He went on to play semi-professional baseball, competing on an all-white team during a time of significant racial barriers, further demonstrating his determination and resilience.
After graduating from AM&N in 1968, Tate began his coaching career at Yeager High School in Hope, Arkansas. Following school integration, he remained in Hope, serving as defensive coordinator and head track coach at Hope High School. From that point forward, he became known simply and respectfully as “Coach Tate” to generations of students and athletes.
In 1973, Coach Tate returned to Clark County to coach football alongside Coach John Outlaw at Goza Junior High School. Three years later, he joined Arkadelphia High School as head track coach and defensive coordinator, where he spent 15 years building championship programs. Under his leadership, the Badgers captured nine district football championships, Class AAA state championships in 1979 and 1987, three 7AAA track championships, and eight runner-up finishes at the Class AAA state track meet. He was named Track Coach of the Year on multiple occasions.
After 23 years of coaching in the Arkadelphia School District, Coach Tate took on his next challenge in 1990. That year, he made history as the first Black collegiate head coach in Arkadelphia, accepting the head track coach position at Henderson State University. In 1995, he also began serving as head golf coach, a role he held until his retirement in 2006. His achievements earned him induction into the Hope Athletic Hall of Fame, Henderson State University’s Hall of Fame, and the opportunity to coach the Arkansas High School West All-Star Football Squad (1988).
Coach Tate inspired excellence, confidence, and character in all who crossed his path. Among his many accomplishments, he considered his greatest achievement to be his 44-year marriage to his wife, Annie. Together, they mentored countless young athletes, professionals, and entrepreneurs, leaving a legacy defined by love, leadership, and service.
Roland Gosey
Roland Gosey is a dedicated community advocate and small business owner whose life and work have been shaped by service to others. Born in Compton, California, Gosey moved to Arkadelphia as a child and has proudly called the community home ever since. He graduated from Arkadelphia High School in 1996 and later earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in 2004.
Gosey’s commitment to serving others began at an early age, inspired by the example set by members of his family. His great-uncle, James Williams—owner and operator of Williams Funeral Home—devoted his life to helping families honor and celebrate their loved ones. Under his uncle’s mentorship, Gosey learned the importance of compassion, professionalism, and trust, and became involved in the family business. Following his uncle’s passing in 2005, Gosey assumed leadership of Williams Funeral Home in Arkadelphia.
Over the past two decades, Gosey has expanded the family business to include two locations, serving families in both Arkadelphia and Camden. His greatest professional accomplishment is being a trusted presence for families during some of life’s most difficult moments, a responsibility he carries with deep care and humility.
Gosey’s servant leadership extends well beyond his professional life. Inspired by his Uncle James—who also served as Arkadelphia’s first Black mayor—Gosey was elected in 2010 to represent Ward 4 on the Arkadelphia City Board. He would later be elected to serve as the city’s Assistant Mayor, a position he holds today. During his tenure, he has helped guide the city through periods of financial hardship while also supporting significant infrastructure and community improvements. His focus has consistently been on strengthening Arkadelphia for both current and future generations.
Throughout his service, Gosey has championed several causes close to his heart. After surviving a devastating fire that destroyed both his home and business, he became a vocal advocate for public safety, emphasizing the importance of emergency response times and ensuring first responders have the resources they need. Among his proudest accomplishments is his leadership in developing Arkadelphia’s Black History Month programming, an award-winning initiative that has become a model for communities across the state. He also serves on the MLK Park Committee, where he has worked for years to secure funding and advance plans for a state-of-the-art community facility.
Gosey continues to serve Arkadelphia with purpose and dedication, remaining committed to public service, community leadership, and caring for families across south Arkansas.