IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION OF EAST ARKANSAS
About US
The Improvement Association of East Arkansas was founded in 1998 for the purpose of making living conditions better in Lee County and eastern Arkansas. The organization was the brainchild of Andrea Hope Howard and Clifton Collier, life-long residents of Lee County who recognized the need to try and bring positive changes to their home county. Lee County is one of the poorest areas in the entire United States and has the consequent problems associated with such rankings.
Collecting African-American history was the IAEA’s first endeavor, interviewing subjects for an oral history project, and then, publishing, through a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council, an historical booklet of some of the individuals interviewed. Gathering church and family histories and videoing tours of museums also were a part of this project.
For the last several years the Association has concentrated on providing after-school and out-of-school activities for area youth. This goal has led to working with local 4-H Programs, the establishment of sports leagues, dance and self-defense classes, modeling and drama, and inspirational speakers. Education and good citizenship underlie all of the IAEA’s youth activity efforts.
Partnerships, both informal and formal, have been built with the local school district, the Men of Action, another local nonprofit, the County Extension Office and ForwARd Arkansas. An exciting venture is encouraging former residents to ‘Look Back, Give Back’ in support of sustaining our programs. A very successful Modeling Extravaganza was directed by Toni Brister-Valencia, a graduate of Lee Senior High School and a professional model in her own right. Former athletics, both male and female, take part in the LEGENDS Basketball Games held during Homecoming Weekend each year. Other former residents donate money, technical equipment, sports equipment and supplies while others offer an encouraging slap on the back.
Another goal is to allow this website to act as a platform for original works of art, stories, pictures, etc. that help to depict the real Lee County.
The IAEA received its 501c3 designation in 1999 and looks to continue working for the betterment of all involved.
Board of Directors
Clifton Collier, President
Millie Hill, Vice-President
Saundra Blocker, Secretary
Mildred Griggs, Treasurer
Christine Smith
Michelle Holden
Kenneth Thomas
OUR WORKS
MODELING 2018
Tremendous pleasure is gained when a program comes together. This happened with our Modeling Extravaganza held on April 28, 2018 at the Marianna Civic Center. Nine fabulous young ladies, all Lee County School District students participated under the leadership of our own Toni Brister-Valencia, a professional model herself. Attendees to the Fashion Extravaganza felt they were in New York at one of the top fashion shows as the models took the runway and turned heads. It was an unforgettable night for the models and will be long remembered.
MODELING
Glamour Shots
MODELING SHOTS
Check out these glamour shots of the models, photographed by Cara Epps Photography of Wynne, Arkansas
AT THE SOUTHERN BRIDE SHOOT
Our models were treated like royalty as they traveled to Memphis to take part in the Southern Bride Photo Shoot. See them in the Summer-Fall Issue of Southern Bride Magazine, at your newsstands now.
GENE RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY
Gene Richards is a world-renown photographer who has done work for National Geographic Magazine, among other prestigious magazines. The following photographs were taken in Lee County in the early 1970's as the Lee County Cooperative Clinic was being formed.
HAPPENINGS
PLANS AND MORE
The Improvement Association of East Arkansas, is looking to have former residents give back to the Lee County Community. One way of achieving this goal is to build on our Athletic Hall of Fame. At Homecoming 2017 an athletic brunch was held to revitalize the Hall of Fame Program began by former Basketball Coach James Banks in 1989. Several Hall of Famers attended and spoke of their experiences during the brunch. Such an event is planned for Homecoming 2018 and annually thereafter.
The brunch was scheduled to coincide with the LEGENDS Basketball Games.
CONTACT US
Improvement Association of East Arkansas
P. O. Box 958, Marianna, AR 72360
(501)940-7506
PLEASE DONATE
Your Chance to Make an Impact
At Improvement Association of East Arkansas, we care about our youth and strive to provide them with all the resources they need in order to become successful leaders in their home communities. We are committed to empowering today’s youth to be the leaders of tomorrow - and couldn’t have gotten this far without your generous contributions. Donate today, and make the biggest impact on the lives of our community’s youth.