Six names were added to the Arkansas Walk of Fame this weekend, the most in recent years.
Joining the roughly 100 people in the Walk of Fame were influential names in the fields of civil rights, wrestling, aviation, kickboxing and country music.
The first induction was held Friday night, as Lepanto native and country music artist Buddy Jewell was honored at the walk at 629 Central Ave. The presentation was followed by a free concert in the Bridge Street Entertainment District featuring Jewell as the headlining act at 7 p.m.
“What an incredible honor it is for me to be honored by my home state and to add my name to a lot of prestigious people that are here,” said Jewell.
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With his stone set in the sidewalk next to Daisy Bates, another 2023 inductee, he thanked God, his wife and all of his family and supporters for the distinction.
While most other honorees have passed away, one other recipient was able to attend Saturday’s ceremony at the Vapors Live, 315 Park Ave. Lafayette Lawson, originally from Pine Bluff, graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1980.
Receiving the accolade was a tough moment for the kickboxer and Hollywood personal trainer as at the same time, a funeral was being held for one of his friends.
“I really appreciate everybody for being here,” said Lawson, struggling to get through his acceptance speech. “Especially my kids. But at the same time across town, they are laying one of our friends to rest. So, it’s kind of bittersweet.”
After being introduced by friends of his, Chuck Hildreth and Russell Hoffman, he started to tear up. Hildreth mentioned how most people do not receive recognition for their lives until their eulogy is read, and said that he wanted to make sure Lawson is honored while still here.
“And you know, we have a tendency to take a lot of things for granted,” said Lawson. “You go to sleep at night and you just assume you’re gonna wake up. And, you know, I’m thinking about like, yes, I’m getting a plaque today, that I can see my name, but I think she is also getting a plaque today.”
Having his character highlighted through stories and kind words, like Jewell, Lawson thanked the audience and Arkansas Walk of Fame.
Other inductees added posthumously in the “class of 2023” included civil rights leader and journalist Daisy Bates, wrestler Bobo Brazil, World War I pilot Capt. Field E. Kindley and James McDonnell, who founded McDonnell Aircraft Corp., which later became known as McDonnell Douglas, and the James S. McDonnell Foundation.
Each person was selected for being born in or having lived in Arkansas for a significant length of time, making a significant contribution in their field and being nationally known.
“What you know about Daily Bates as a public figure is probably the least of what she thought about herself,” said Janetta Kearney, who spoke and accepted the proclamation on behalf of Bates. “Her dreams and her aspirations and who she wanted to become.”
Kearney’s sister was originally picked for the program as a longtime friend of Bates, but was unable to attend.
Kearney shared more personal details about Bates that are lesser known than her work for the NAACP and the Little Rock Nine. After Kearney, presentations were given about Brazil, whose family has not yet been tracked down, Kindley, and McDonnell.
 Buddy Jewell’s shadow can be seen over his plaque as he poses with a fan Friday after his induction ceremony. – Photo by Lance Brownfield of The Sentinel-Record Â
