The mission of the Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant's funding body, the Black History Commission of Arkansas (BHCA), is dedicated to the preservation of African American history, culture, and heritage in Arkansas. This commitment is demonstrated through advocacy, education initiatives, and supporting the inclusion of African American history in academic curricula. The grant program is named after Curtis H. Sykes, a dedicated community activist, historian, and educator, reflecting his lifelong commitment to historical preservation and education.
The Arkansas Historic Marker Program aims to commemorate the state's history through markers recognizing significant people, places, and events that have shaped Arkansas. It underscores the importance of both national/state events and local history, fostering community involvement. To qualify, subjects must be at least 50 years old, unless of extraordinary historical significance. Sponsors can be civic groups and organizations partnering with individuals. The program mandates a joint financial effort for marker costs, a rigorous approval process, and sponsor responsibility for installation and regular maintenance, fostering a visible, lasting tribute to Arkansas' history and heritage.