By SANDY JOHANSEN / Staff writer

Author Cheryl Batts, key speaker and founder of The Uzuri Project Youth Institute/P.H.O.E.B.E. (People Helping Others Excel by Example), recently described her 18-year involvement in promoting the unique influence of African-Americans in Hot Springs. She was addressing the Daughters of the American Revolution Akansa Chapter.
“Project P.H.O.E.B.E. is designed to build positive social values for young children, helping them build self-image, self-improvement, appropriate decision-making, coping skills, budgeting, manners and assertiveness by work- ing with seniors in the   community,” said Batts.
She outlined the accomplishments of John Lee Webb, supreme custodian and contractor for the historic Woodmen of Union Building, also known as the National Baptist Hotel on Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs. “He was a real visionary who became a part of the 1919 winds of change,” said Batts.
The Uzuri Project Youth Institute was bequeathed Webb’s house, at 403 Pleasant St., Hot Springs.
It will soon be home to the institute as a black cultural center with history and art collections of the community from 1863 to 1963.
Batts was available to autograph copies of her  book, “John Lee Webb, The Man & His Legacy.”
The regular monthly meeting of the DAR Akansa Chapter opened with traditional ceremonies and remembrances of those who died in 2017, including Evonia Eggleston, Adair Gladys Crane Atkinson and Aileen Isabel Wilson.
Officers and committee chairs presented reports, including Carol Porter’s reminder to members to submit American History projects by Feb. 15 for national awards consideration.