The city of Helena-West Helena was formed from the merger of two previously existing towns. The 2010 census counted a population of just over 12,000 citizens. The origins of the two prior towns can be traced to separate eras in American history. Photo: Arkansas.com

The city of Helena-West Helena was formed from the merger of two previously existing towns. The 2010 census counted a population of just over 12,000 citizens. The origins of the two prior towns can be traced to separate eras in American history. Photo: Arkansas.com

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Presently known as Helena-West-Helena, the city serves as the county seat for Phillips County and is home to a population of slightly over 12,000 people, predominantly African Americans. And typical of Black communities across the country, Helena-West Helena has its share of problems that arise from discrimination.