Friends,

It's been 73 days since the catastrophic tornado that tore through Little Rock. In the aftermath of one of the worst days in our City's history, we've witnessed Little Rock at its best. Neighbor has helped neighbor, and assistance has come in from across the state and around the world. Our efficient and effective emergency response over the last 10 weeks was shaped by the city employees and volunteers who are committed to helping build back better than ever.

As we transition from our immediate response to a focus on long-term recovery, the City of Little Rock is ending its storm debris collection from residential property in storm-impacted areas. Over the past few weeks, the volume of debris collected by our contractor, DRC Emergency Services, has gone from close to 15,000 cubic yards daily to just a few thousand. Because of that, it's appropriate to set an end date for this phase of our response.

During a news conference last week, I announced that the City extended its debris-removal deadline by two weeks, to Sunday, June 25. Residents are asked to place debris curbside no later than June 25. After that, the contractor will make a final sweep of affected neighborhoods to pick up any remaining debris.

We made the decision last week to push back the deadline because we understand that residents need a little more time with the clean-up process. I appreciate the Little Rock Board of Directors for being in support of providing another two weeks to assist those affected.

Workers will continue debris collection until a final, post-June 25 sweep. Residents should place storm debris within 10 feet of the curb, with construction waste in a separate pile than vegetative debris such as tree limbs.

Again, it's amazing to see how our community has come together to assist their friends and neighbors and help us rebound from this significant weather event. Our Little Rock Cares fund continues to collect tax-exempt donations to help with storm recovery. 

Our plan to distribute the nearly $540,000 currently in the fund includes allocating 40 percent of proceeds to nonprofit organizations who participated in Little Rock's tornado response and 60 percent in individual assistance to impacted residents. In keeping with our pledge to ensure every penny is spent to help Little Rock tornado survivors, nonprofits that receive Little Rock Cares money must sign an agreement to use the funds specifically for tornado recovery efforts within the City of Little Rock.

Heart of Arkansas United Way has been selected as the third-party administrator that will oversee the individual assistance grants. We will share more about the application and award process as it becomes available.

Last week, we paid tribute to the Little Rock Nine with the presentation of the inaugural La Petite Roche Global Service Award by the Rotary Club of Little Rock, in partnership with the City. The La Petite Roche award is presented biennially to an individual, group or organization whose legacy has shaped the world. I cannot think of a better first recipient of this award than the Little Rock Nine, whose actions almost 66 years ago reverberated around the world and helped shape the Civil Rights movement.

Rotary Club President Denver Peacock described the significance of the award's name, like "how a ripple occurs when a little rock is dropped into a puddle of water. In the same way, acts of courage and bravery can cause a ripple effect in those around them and make a significant impact on a watching world." 

It was a privilege to have Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed Wair, Carlotta Walls LaNier and Dr. Terrence Roberts with us in person for the awards presentation, with Minniejean Brown Trickey, Gloria Ray Karlmark and Melba Pattillo Beals attending virtually, as we remembered and honored Jefferson Thomas, who passed away in 2010.

I know that without the resiliency, perseverance and commitment of the Little Rock Nine and their loved ones and supporters, I would not be the first elected African American mayor of Little Rock. They overcame challenges to show us what true unity looks like and they paved the way for equal access to education and inclusion for all our residents. 

We know, however, that there is still work to be done. We stand with the Little Rock Nine and other civil rights advocates across our City to honor their legacy and continue the fight for equity and justice.

• The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, June 13, at 4 p.m. This special called meeting will be to discuss an proposed ordinance to extend hours of the juvenile curfew within designated entertainment districts. Following that meeting, the Board will set the agenda for its next regularly scheduled meeting. Board meetings are held at The Centre at University Park, 6401 W. 12th St., and are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock Facebook and YouTube pages. To view the agenda, click here.
• The Little Rock Parks Commission meets Wednesday, June 14, at noon at The Centre at University Park.
• The Parks Department hosts Summer Movie Night at the Jim Dailey Fitness and Aquatic Center outdoor pool on Saturday, June 17. The movie, "Minions: The Rise of Gru" will be shown at  sunset. Admission is $5. The center is at 300 S. Monroe St.
• As we approach Juneteenth, there are a number of festivities this week as part of the 14th Annual "Juneteenth in Da Rock" celebration. They include a 5K on Saturday, June 17, and Festival that afternoon along historic Ninth Street. I'll be participating in an interfaith service at St. Mark Baptist Church, 5722 W. 12th St., on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and the flag raising and brunch at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center on Thursday, June 15. For a full list of "Juneteenth in Da Rock" events, visit JuneteenthLittleRock.com.
• In observance of Juneteenth, City of Little Rock offices will be closed for the holiday on Monday, June 19. Sanitation and recycling services will run one day later than scheduled during that week.