Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – KASU 91.9 FM, the public media service of Arkansas State University, presents “We Shall Overcome,” a photo exhibit honoring the history of Civil Rights Trail sites through the lens of renowned photographer Art Meripol and celebrating Black History Month.
The event will begin at 5:30 and conclude at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the lobby of the Humanities and Social Sciences building on campus. The United Voices Gospel Choir will perform.
KASU is presenting this photo exhibit in partnership with the Office of the Provost, College of Liberal Arts and Communication and Arisa Health, together bringing 25 photos of these significant sites to the public. The reception is sponsored by the Division of Access and Institutional Engagement.
Attendees can view photos, including Little Rock Central High School, the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL, and other heritage locations.
“KASU takes great pride in bringing these important historic photographs to the community and region,” said Mark Smith, KASU station manager. “Since the exhibit opened in the summer of 2025, the response has been positive and welcoming. Meripol’s work is beyond compare, and attendees will find themselves engaged in important history and stellar craftsmanship. The exhibit is visually immersive, and we are thrilled the United Voices Gospel Choir will be joining us.”
Photographer Art Meripol originally took these photos for the National Addy award-winning book, “The Official United States Civil Rights Trail: What Happened Here Changed the World,” commissioned by Lee Sentell. It’s one of Meripol’s favorite projects.
After obtaining his college degree, Meripol worked as a news photographer for 13 years. From the old Arkansas Gazette, he joined the staff of Southern Living magazine as senior travel photographer.
The United Voices Gospel Choir was founded in 1969, fostering a rich legacy rooted in service, faith and inclusion at A-State. During a time when Black students on campus sought support, fellowship and representation, the Black Students Association (BSA) was established to meet those needs. Soon after, Robbia Keglar, the first choir director, helped found the BSA Choir to uplift students spiritually and create a space for worship through music.
In the early 1980s, the choir recognized the growing importance of inclusion on the campus. To better reflect its mission of welcoming all students, regardless of race or religious background, the BSA Choir was renamed the United Voices Gospel Choir.
The choir’s mission is to serve the university and the surrounding community in song, spirit and truth, fostering unity while uplifting people. United Voices celebrated its 55th anniversary in 2024.
Over the years, the choir has performed at numerous campus and community events, including the nationally televised 1998 Westside School Shooting Memorial Service. United Voices continues to welcome individuals of all races, religions and backgrounds, serving as a vessel to encourage faith, connection, and growth throughout the college journey.
For more information, please contact LaDawn Fuhr at lfuhr@AState.edu or 870-972-2709.
KASU is a 100,000-watt FM radio station, housed on the campus of Arkansas State University, and is the public media service of the university. KASU is Arkansas’ oldest non-commercial public radio station, operating since 1957. The station has been an NPR member station since 1971.
In addition to locally produced news and music programs, KASU pays to receive programming from NPR, American Public Media and other sources.
