Blackbelt Voices

What does it mean for a city to believe in itself? Sinovia Mayfield has spent a decade as the human behind Rocktown Realness, a hyperlocal civic platform built for action and powered by love for Little Rock, Arkansas. She sees her role not as the face of the platform but as its stage manager, turning the spotlight on a city whose story is often flattened by headlines and outside assumptions. In this conversation with Adena, Sinovia introduces the idea of municipal self-esteem: The collective belief (or lack of it) that shapes what a city thinks it deserves, what it’s willing to invest in, and what it allows itself to imagine. They discuss what happens when people stop waiting for someone else to build the thing their community is missing and how being “behind” can offer a clearer view of what’s ahead. About Sinovia Sinovia Mayfield is a Little Rock–based project leader connecting people, pixels, and purpose. She leads high-impact digital and marketing initiatives and builds community-centered platforms that turn big ideas into real-world impact, with equal parts strategy and heart. Learn more at sinoviamayfield.com.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Recorded inside the Central Arkansas Library System’s newly renovated Main Library in downtown Little Rock, hosts Adena White and Kara Wilkins sit down with CALS executive director Nate Coulter, board president Dr. Karama Neal, and chief communications and community engagement officer Tameka Lee to talk about the library’s transformation, its impact on the community, and the enduring power of public spaces. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. In this episode, Dr. Neal talks to Shamim Okolloh. Shamim was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and came to the U.S. at age 19 for college. Unsure about staying or returning home, she moved to Little Rock to attend the Clinton School of Public Service. She fell in love with the state and has found a supportive community in Arkansas, balancing her career in banking and her family life. We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Arkansas for yourself! Send us feedback at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. In this episode, Dr. Neal talks to Jean Block, the CEO of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority.  We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Arkansas for yourself! Send us feedback at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. We want to help you make the Natural State your natural choice. On today's episode, we talk to Samantha Evans about what brought her back to her home state after living away for many years. We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Arkansas for yourself! Send us feedback at [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.