"If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"

– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, I'm reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision of the "beloved community"—inspired by this year's MLK Council event theme right here in Northwest Arkansas. I share words from Dr. King's powerful "mountaintop speech" and revisit stories from past guests who've shown what it looks like to choose service and love over self-interest.

You'll hear about lawyers, business owners, and nonprofit leaders across our region who saw a need and refused to look away—people helping immigrants and refugees find their footing, supporting small businesses, creating spaces for real conversation and care. The beloved community isn't just an ideal—it's being built right here, every day, by people who simply decided to act.

This episode is about hope, and it's an invitation: Who can you help today?

Key Takeaways:

1. The “beloved community” is more than a slogan—it's a call to action for everyone.
2. Dr. King's question, "What will happen to them if I do not stop to help?" inspires personal reflection and service.
3. Real stories from Northwest Arkansas show people making a difference through law, business, non-profit work, and relationships.
4. Small steps—from reaching out to a neighbor to supporting a local cause—can help build greater equity, belonging, and care.
5. The hope for a better community lives not just in speeches, but in the daily actions of ordinary people.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

1. Martin Luther King, Jr. Council Annual Event
2. Nathan Bogart, Immigration Attorney (Episode 338)
3. Pedal Pops and Pedal Park: Mike Thompson & Lynn Wong (Episode 326)
4. Canopy NWA: Refugee Resettlement (Episode 319)
5. Peter Norman, CRED Legal Clinic (Episode 303)
6. Potter’s House: Shawn Schwartzman (Episode...

“I hope there’s silver buckshot… a lot of small action in a lot of areas is what will really help us get where we need to be.”

– Jessica Lewallen

This episode is part of a special series supported by the Walton Family Foundation. Through their Home Region program, the Foundation is investing in the people and ideas shaping Northwest Arkansas—across housing, entrepreneurship, transportation, and leadership.

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® host Randy Wilburn and architect Jessica Lewallen discuss housing, growth, and what it takes to keep Northwest Arkansas a place where people can actually afford to live.

Through her work with ULI's Faithful Foundations program, the Fayetteville Housing Crisis Task Force, and as founder of Gemstone Design Studio, Jessica's tackling one of our region's biggest challenges—making sure explosive growth doesn't price people out or erase what makes this place special.

You'll hear stories from Jessica's journey, practical ideas for housing solutions, and why fixing this requires everyone—homeowners, churches, policymakers, planners, and regular folks—to show up. Whether you're a longtime resident worried about preserving open spaces, a newcomer searching for affordable housing, or someone wondering how to get involved, this episode offers both wisdom and hope for building a Northwest Arkansas where the next generation can thrive.

Key Takeaways:

1. Shifting Household Needs: Nearly three-quarters of households in Northwest Arkansas are made up of two people or fewer, highlighting a need for smaller, more affordable homes, not just large family houses.
2. Smarter Land Use & Infill: Thoughtful infill development helps preserve access to parks, farmland, and green spaces, by building density where infrastructure already exists—instead of sprawling into new areas.
3. Transportation’s Hidden Costs: Affordable housing isn’t just about rent or mortgages—long commutes and car dependency mean Northwest Arkansans face combined housing and transportation costs rivaling larger metro areas.
4. Local Action, Local Solutions: Real change comes from community-led efforts—whether it’s homeowners building accessory dwelling units (ADUs), churches repurposing land, or neighbors engaging in city committees.
5. Education Fuels Empowerment: Programs like ULI’s READY and Groundwork’s Chats help citizens gain the knowledge to shape housing policy, dispelling myths and fostering supportive, effective advocacy.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

1. Jessica Lewallen, Gemstone Design Studio
2. Email: jessica@gemstonedesignstudio.com

"Every time I introduce someone and they find their tribe, that feeds my soul."

– Rebecca Luther aka Queenie Be

Rebecca Luther—who goes by Queenie Be—went from feeling isolated after a divorce to building some of the biggest community networks in Northwest Arkansas. In this episode, she talks about how one Facebook post changed everything.

Rebecca founded The Hive Network, a support group for single moms, a thriving singles community, and now one of our region's largest business networking groups—all without any background in event planning or running nonprofits. She just saw people who needed connection and decided to do something about it.

We talk about loneliness, why being honest matters more than being perfect, and how showing up authentically can change your life. If you're a business owner looking for community, a single parent feeling stretched thin, new to Northwest Arkansas, or just feeling like you don't quite fit in—this conversation is for you.

Sometimes the best things we build come from our hardest seasons. Rebecca's story proves it.

Key Takeaways:

1. Turning Pain into Purpose: Rebecca’s story shows how personal struggles can ignite leadership and help others in similar situations.
2. Finding Your Community: The Hive Network, Singles Group, and Single Mom Sisterhood are places where everyone is welcome, connected, and supported.
3. Local Business Support: Virtual and in-person networking, like “Follow Me Fridays,” help small businesses grow their audiences and connect with new customers—for free!
4. Authenticity Matters: Vulnerability, transparency, and showing your real self are key to building lasting relationships.
5. Supporting Mental Health: Both men and women need connection—breaking the myth that only women need support and recognizing the importance of friendships for all.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

1. Instagram: Queenie B NWA - @queenieBnwa
2. Facebook: QueenieBNWA page and Hive Networking NWA Group
3. LinkedIn: Rebecca Luther (aka Queenie Be)
4. Website: HiveNetworkingNWA.com
5. Upcoming Events: Watch for announcements about Gownsational, Queenie Connects singles events, and Hive business networking gatherings at local venues like The...