FORT SMITH, Ark. — Lincoln High School, Fort Smith’s historic African American school, will host its 2026 reunion August 28–30, bringing generations of “Lincolnites” together to celebrate the school’s enduring legacy and honor the stories that continue to shape Fort Smith’s history. The reunion, hosted by the Lincoln Alumni Association, will feature a weekend of fellowship, reflection, and celebration across three community events. Updated schedule details are based on the original 2024 event release and Lincoln High School historical information published by Discover Fort Smith.

 

The weekend schedule includes:

  • Friday, August 28 — Meet and Greet, 6:00 p.m. at the Fort Smith Convention Center
  • Saturday, August 29 — Banquet, 6:00 p.m. at the Fort Smith Convention Center
  • Sunday, August 30 — Picnic, 1:00 p.m. at Howard Elementary School

 

Lincoln High School graduated its first class in 1892, when nine graduates received diplomas from Judge Isaac Parker. The school served Fort Smith’s Black community for more than 75 years before closing in 1966 following racial integration. Though the building no longer stands, Lincoln High School remains a powerful symbol of educational excellence, resilience, and community pride.

 

Over the course of its history, more than 6,000 students attended Lincoln, where generations of educators, administrators, and staff helped shape lives through high academic expectations and a strong sense of purpose.

 

Founded in 1980 by Lawrence Tidwell, the Lincoln Alumni Association was established to preserve the school’s legacy and ensure its history is passed on to future generations. The biennial reunion serves as both a celebration and a reminder of Lincoln High School’s lasting impact on Fort Smith and beyond.

 

“This reunion is about more than reconnecting,” said event organizer Paula Releford. “It is about preserving the stories, honoring the people who built this legacy, and making sure younger generations understand the important role Lincoln High School played in our community’s history.”

 

The public is invited to join in celebrating this historic institution and the generations of Lincolnites who continue to carry its legacy forward.

 

 

 

Media Contacts:
Paula Releford | 479.650.0189 | paulareleford@gmail.com
Sherry Tolliver | 479.420.1162 | stoliv@gmail.com