x
Breaking News
More () »

Arkansas Civil Rights leader's house named national landmark

The Martin Luther King Jr. Commission Committee put together a one-of-a-kind event to honor Abrams and the celebrate the new national landmark.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - The 25th anniversary of "King Fest Weekend" continued on Sunday with a celebration at a soon-to-be national landmark, the home of Mrs. Annie Abrams.

The local civil rights pioneer has long considered her house to be a library and museum.

Many will agree that the celebration of 1925 Wolfe Street is long overdue.

“She's been so happy this week getting ready for this event that she lost five pounds,” said Ken Wade, a member of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission Committee.

He and others helped put together a one-of-a-kind event to honor a one-of-a-kind woman.

Abrams’ home has seen visitors from all over the world.

"She's truly a mentor in our community,” Executive Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, Deshaun Scarborough, said.

Now her home is officially a historic site for everyone to appreciate and continue learning from.

Abrams has a lifelong collection of historical artifacts, books, memorabilia, programs, obituaries and much more.

"It's been a kick off of our King holiday week since Monday. And now here we are Sunday evening, after a celebration of worship, at Mrs. Annie Abrams home,” said Scarborough.

The visitor who brought the oldest obituary to the event received a special trophy.

Through self-guided tours, visitors could take in all the history her home holds.

Abrams has at least one copy of all the Black newspapers ever published in Arkansas.

“They're anxious to get in here and talk to Mrs. Annie and who wouldn't be? She takes that time to personalize with each and every individual,” Scarborough added.

1925 Wolfe Street is also filled with symbols from the Civil Rights Movement.

"Sister Abrams has maintained records that have affected her, her family and friends and people in the state of Arkansas,” said Wade. “We're going to be in excess, by the time we end today, of over 300 people."

Often called a mentoring mother in the community, Abrams welcomes anyone to her home at any time.

Before You Leave, Check This Out