Kicking off the Ozarks Chapter FFRF – 2026 Summer Speaker Series – Sam Grover!!!

This weekend our chapter welcomed in Sam Grover to the area. Sam and his family got to Arkansas about a week ago and got to explore our beautiful area on their own. On Friday evening (07/17) a hand full of our most active members were invited to do a meet and greet with Sam Grover. We started at Crystal Bridges and then went to dinner to eat as a group in Bentonville. Chris and I like to introduce visiting Speakers to the museum when they come into town if time allows. Our local chapter has made a bit of a tradition of taking a group picture by We the People Art piece, when we can do so.

You might notice some of these familiar faces below from our activities at farmers markets, pride, and our monthly meetings. Join us as a more active chapter member for potential future invite for these sorts of opportunities.

This inaugural kick off to our 2026 Summer Speaker series was a real treat. On Saturday Sam Grover (and 3 of the plaintiffs – in the Stinson v. Fayetteville) were present and spoke at Bentonville Public Library. We had a bit over 20 people in attendance of this inaugural event. Sam Grover talked about the history of how courts have changed over the years – on how they are interpreting religious issues – locally and nationally. The plaintiffs spoke to what motivated them to stand up and speak out in this battle. This really shows how one person can make a big impact at a local level. Only school districts that had parents willing to stand up were enjoined in this lawsuit – against Act 573. The talk wrapped up with a Q&A. Pictured below is Chris Sweeny (Chapter President), Sam Grover, and Dr. Steven Caldwell who spoke out on this subject often.

UP NEXT – Hemant Mehta (The Friendly Atheist) – In Fayetteville

Do not miss the next event. Hemant Mehta (The Friendly Atheist) – tickets and space are limited. Do not wait or it could be too late.

August 22nd (Saturday) – 2:00pm to 3:00pm @ Fayetteville Public Library

• Secular Speaker Series with Hemant Mehta (The Friendly Atheist) – Come join us for our second speaker series event of 2026 as we listen to Hemant Mehta, otherwise known as The Friendly Atheist, as he discusses the various violations of Church/State Separation that he advocates against.  Get tickets here!