Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Museum reopens, honoring Dallas’ first Black woman elected to school board

Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Museum reopens, honoring Dallas’ first Black woman elected to school board

The Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Museum recently reopened on Wendelkin Street in South Dallas. Honoring the legacy of Mrs. Kathlyn Joy Gilliam, the museum showcases the civil rights leader’s life story featuring original furnishings, photos, and artifacts in the home she lived in for 35 years.

South Dallas

Sujata Dand - May 26, 2023

Neighborhood-led protest ends South Dallas-Fair Park PID ‘tax’

Neighborhood-led protest ends South Dallas-Fair Park PID ‘tax’

The South Dallas Fair Park Public Improvement District is coming to an end. Property owners of neighborhood homes and businesses advocated against extending the PID for another seven years, saying they didn’t feel the additional tax burden translated to tangible community benefits.

South Dallas

Manuel Holguin - March 15, 2023

South Dallas real estate company works to keep the community in community development 

South Dallas real estate company works to keep the community in community development 

Ferrell Fellows' business model is simple: She buys off-market properties in South Dallas in need of serious repairs then renovates these homes, preserving character and history. They become residences for first-time homebuyers, long-term rentals for people not ready to take that leap, and shared housing for people she comes across in her community work, everyone from single parents to immigrants to prostitutes. Fellows believes everyone deserves a dignified way to live.

South Dallas

Sujata Dand - February 24, 2023

Q&A with Tabitha Wheeler Reagan: District 7’s New Plan Commissioner

Q&A with Tabitha Wheeler Reagan: District 7’s New Plan Commissioner

South Dallas District 7 has a new plan commissioner — Tabitha Wheeler-Reagan. She will join 14 plan commissioners to hear zoning cases and make recommendations to the City Council.

South Dallas

Jeffrey Ruiz - January 11, 2023

<strong>Fair Park First hopes partnering with Sunny South Dallas Food Park will create a welcoming space for Black neighbors</strong>

Fair Park First hopes partnering with Sunny South Dallas Food Park will create a welcoming space for Black neighbors

Desiree Powell hopes that the food park can be a living example of Black excellence and history in South Dallas. That’s one of the reasons she decided to partner with Fair Park First.

South Dallas

Jeffrey Ruiz - December 9, 2022

Watermark wants a zoning change for its South Dallas church in the historic Pearl C. Anderson School. Neighbors want to know: Why?

Watermark wants a zoning change for its South Dallas church in the historic Pearl C. Anderson School. Neighbors want to know: Why?

Watermark submitted a proposal to the City of Dallas for a new planned development district (PD) for the almost 10-acre space on July 12 — less than two weeks before it held its second community meeting.

South Dallas

Jeffrey Ruiz - November 18, 2022

A new public safety project in Mill City may be a solution to the city’s 311 problem

A new public safety project in Mill City may be a solution to the city’s 311 problem

A task force on safe communities is spending $150,000 to help clean up nearly 600 vacant lots in Mill City, with the goal of cutting crime along with the grass in the neighborhood.

South Dallas

Sujata Dand - October 17, 2022

Park South YMCA swim team enjoys year-round swim

Park South YMCA swim team enjoys year-round swim

Last year, Madel Perez coached the Park South YMCA Sharks into a fifth-place victory in the regional competition. What made this such a remarkable win was that the South Dallas Sharks were one of the few teams with a diverse group of students.

South Dallas

Sophie McCauley - October 14, 2022

‘Where do you go on Saturday morning?’ How a zoning plan could make way for new businesses in South Dallas

‘Where do you go on Saturday morning?’ How a zoning plan could make way for new businesses in South Dallas

Tabitha Wheeler-Reagan, the co-chair of the South Dallas/Fair Park Area Plan Task Force, says the neighborhood’s PD 595 deters new businesses from coming into South Dallas. PD 595’s initial goals were to police alcohol sales and prevent gentrification, she explains, but she and the task force believe the zoning needs to be updated — still protecting the community, but encouraging local entrepreneurs, too.

South Dallas

Jeffrey Ruiz - September 30, 2022

Dallas Free Press seeks a journalism pathway coordinator to work with high school students

Dallas Free Press seeks a journalism pathway coordinator to work with high school students

Dallas Free Press is looking for a journalism pathway coordinator to work with students in South Dallas and West Dallas on writing, storytelling, civic engagement, media literacy and critical thinking skills that would benefit them no matter what career they choose.

Dallas News

Keri Mitchell - August 26, 2022

New Malcolm X Plaza hopes to provide a solution to gun violence in South Dallas

New Malcolm X Plaza hopes to provide a solution to gun violence in South Dallas

South Dallas’ newest summer attraction resides along South Malcolm X Boulevard, sandwiched between Marburg and Southland streets. Once a vacant parking lot next to a DART bus station, Malcolm X Plaza is now a multi-use gathering space for family and friends with a broader goal, organizers say, to improve public safety on one of the […]

South Dallas

Sophie McCauley - July 29, 2022

Goal of MLK Food Park, now in Fair Park, is ‘welcoming’ South Dallas residents and people of color

Goal of MLK Food Park, now in Fair Park, is ‘welcoming’ South Dallas residents and people of color

Phase 4 of the month-long food park aimed to create a community environment for South Dallas residents and businesses of color.

Food Apartheid

Fatima Syed - July 25, 2022

Froswa’ Booker-Drew resigns her post as ‘the great connecter’ between the State Fair of Texas and South Dallas-Fair Park neighbors

Froswa’ Booker-Drew resigns her post as ‘the great connecter’ between the State Fair of Texas and South Dallas-Fair Park neighbors

A bombshell dropped on South Dallas this week when Froswa’ Booker-Drew announced that her last day at the State Fair of Texas would be next Friday, April 15.

South Dallas

Keri Mitchell - April 9, 2022

Groceries in a SNAP: Amazon provides free delivery to EBT customers

Groceries in a SNAP: Amazon provides free delivery to EBT customers

Already, 65,000 people in DFW are enrolled in Amazon’s SNAP delivery program, but the company found that people who live in “food deserts” weren’t using the service, so launched a new outreach program Jan. 1.

Food Apartheid

Sujata Dand - April 5, 2022

Diane Ragsdale: A lifetime of community organizing in South Dallas

Diane Ragsdale: A lifetime of community organizing in South Dallas

The Hon. Diane Ragsdale, who will turn 70 this year, has spent her entire life in South Dallas. Her story has been shaped by the neighborhood and, likewise, she has shaped her neighborhood in significant ways. She’s still fighting some of the same issues that led her to run for Council, and as a registered nurse, she approaches the systems as she would her patients — a belief in preventative medicine that will treat the underlying causes, not just the symptoms.

South Dallas

Keri Mitchell - March 31, 2022

Cornerstone Baptist’s profitable nonprofit grocery store ‘creates dignity’ in South Dallas

Cornerstone Baptist’s profitable nonprofit grocery store ‘creates dignity’ in South Dallas

Southpoint is proving to be a miracle in this sparsely populated South Dallas neighborhood between Al Lipscomb and Martin Luther King Jr. boulevards. Access to healthy, affordable food has been among the top concerns for residents here.

Food Apartheid

Sujata Dand - February 24, 2022

Singleton United/Unidos: The new neighborhood on the block

Singleton United/Unidos: The new neighborhood on the block

Janie Cisneros credits her neighborhood-based activism to serendipity. She is the leader of Singleton United/Unidos, a newly established neighborhood association in West Dallas, fighting for clean air and the removal of the long-standing roofing shingles plant, GAF, from her residential neighborhood.

West Dallas

Shardae White - February 23, 2022

Is the City of Dallas going to save the Save-U-More grocery store in southern Dallas?

Is the City of Dallas going to save the Save-U-More grocery store in southern Dallas?

Highland Hills fresh foods grocery store, Save-U-More, struggles to stay open and widen the food desert gaps happening in South Dallas.

Food Apartheid

Sujata Dand - December 28, 2021

Tried GoLink yet? DART extends South Dallas pilot through Jan. 21

Tried GoLink yet? DART extends South Dallas pilot through Jan. 21

DART’s GoLink program is to easily get riders to a nearby rail station in areas where bus routes are scarce. Still, leaders found there was a significant need for more accessible transportation within the neighborhood. DART's Golink Pilot service is a curb-to-curb model being measured for its success in neighborhoods until January 21st.

South Dallas

Shardae White - November 19, 2021

Dallas Free Press is hiring a development manager

Dallas Free Press is hiring a development manager

Dallas Free Press is seeking an adept communicator who is highly organized to build strong relationships with potential major donors, funders and corporate sponsors.

Dallas News

Keri Mitchell - November 7, 2021

South Dallas nonprofit Miles of Freedom features and funds incarcerated artists through ‘Arts of Oppression’ exhibit

South Dallas nonprofit Miles of Freedom features and funds incarcerated artists through ‘Arts of Oppression’ exhibit

Art comes in many forms and the ‘Arts of Oppression’ exhibit conveys that art is not limited to paintings or drawings, but extends to things like music, dancing and many other things which can be accessed if incarcerated individuals have access to resources.

South Dallas

Ian Wright - November 5, 2021

A parking lot symbolizes the State Fair of Texas’ racist history

A parking lot symbolizes the State Fair of Texas’ racist history

Historians and journalists have documented — and today’s staffers recognize — the State Fair of Texas’ racist history. In the early 1900s the fair hosted one “Colored People Day” per year. It was discontinued in 1910.  On a Wednesday in fall 1923, Ku Klux Klan Day drew some 160,000 Klansmen to the fairgrounds for the initiation of the “largest class in the history of Klandom,” according to the flier, which included an application for membership on the back.  Negro Achievement Day launched in 1936. Each year on Oct. 14, Black fairgoers were admitted inside the gates. 

South Dallas

Christina Hughes Babb - October 8, 2021

Local newsrooms, universities and nonprofits join forces to focus on affordable housing in Dallas

Local newsrooms, universities and nonprofits join forces to focus on affordable housing in Dallas

The key partners on the project say affordable housing is a topic none of them has been able to consistently address on their own — but it’s a vital, systemic issue demanding greater response.

Dallas News

Julianna Morano - September 22, 2021

The State Fair of Texas is trying to remedy past injustices to South Dallas via its urban farm

The State Fair of Texas is trying to remedy past injustices to South Dallas via its urban farm

It’s a tragic irony that the largest agriculture promoter in the state, the State Fair of Texas, is surrounded by a food desert, the neighborhood of South Dallas.

Food Apartheid

Christina Hughes Babb - September 21, 2021

A South Dallas artist residency aims to ‘capture the now before the future’

A South Dallas artist residency aims to ‘capture the now before the future’

John Spriggins, manager of the South Dallas Cultural Center, launched the Juanita J. Craft House Artist in Residency to provide artists with studio space to create work that “capture[s] the immediacy of the moment where historical neighborhoods are rapidly changing due to socio-economic shifts."

South Dallas

Keri Mitchell - August 31, 2021

Dallas Free Press launches a journalism pathway, seeks a coordinator

Dallas Free Press launches a journalism pathway, seeks a coordinator

Dallas Free Press has launched a journalism pathway from Dallas high schools to Dallas newsrooms, starting with efforts to educate high school students. We are looking for a part-time journalism pathway coordinator to work with students in South Dallas and West Dallas.

Dallas News

Keri Mitchell - July 21, 2021

People need jobs. Nonprofits need volunteers. Socialwyze’s solution is hourly wages for good work.

People need jobs. Nonprofits need volunteers. Socialwyze’s solution is hourly wages for good work.

The for-profit company connects nonprofits with unemployed individuals who can earn hourly wages by doing community benefit work.

South Dallas

Steven Monacelli - July 20, 2021

New grocery store reflects Cornerstone church’s belief that ‘South Dallas deserves beautiful things’

New grocery store reflects Cornerstone church’s belief that ‘South Dallas deserves beautiful things’

A new neighborhood grocery store in South Dallas is part of Cornerstone Baptist Church's overall vision for a healthy community.

Food Apartheid

Sujata Dand - June 16, 2021

Laying out food pantries like grocery stores gives choice and can lead to healthy habits

Laying out food pantries like grocery stores gives choice and can lead to healthy habits

Aunt Bette's food pantry at St. Philip's in South Dallas is set up like a grocery store to provide choices to hungry neighbors. This can create the kind of positive psychological environment conducive to healthy consumer habits, experts say.

Food Apartheid

Bekah S. McNeel - May 19, 2021

Black and Brown ‘Lit Lab’ library opens in Bonton’s Bridge Builders

Black and Brown ‘Lit Lab’ library opens in Bonton’s Bridge Builders

Bridge Builders, a nonprofit in the Bonton neighborhood of South Dallas, has recently opened a Black and Brown library called the Lit Lab. The library’s purpose is to showcase only Black and Brown authors and characters in hopes that the children can have a relatable experience while reading.  Tracy Lindsey, director of the kids program, […]

South Dallas

Diante Marigny - May 7, 2021

Cornerstone Baptist Church is opening a grocery store to address food insecurity in South Dallas

Cornerstone Baptist Church is opening a grocery store to address food insecurity in South Dallas

In an effort to address food insecurity in the community, Cornerstone Baptist Church is opening Southpoint Community Market, a neighborhood grocery store that will sell fresh and affordable food.

Food Apartheid

Sujata Dand - May 6, 2021

Vaccine hesitancy, not availability, now South Dallas’ largest barrier

Vaccine hesitancy, not availability, now South Dallas’ largest barrier

Now that anyone who wants a vaccine can get one, the challenge is overcoming barriers such as internet access needed to register for the vaccine and transportation needed to get to appointments, plus the even more daunting barrier of trust.

South Dallas

Keri Mitchell - April 26, 2021

Drive-by parade honors Bobbie Blair, 51-year early education teacher with ChildCareGroup

Drive-by parade honors Bobbie Blair, 51-year early education teacher with ChildCareGroup

Bobbie Blair, lifetime early education South Dallas teacher is honored with a drive-by parad as she retires from 51 years of teaching at ChildCareGroup.

South Dallas

Diante Marigny - March 5, 2021

Live broadcasts, robotics team coming to Thompson, Dunbar schools

Live broadcasts, robotics team coming to Thompson, Dunbar schools

Paul L. Dunbar and H.S. Thompson schools in South Dallas received grants to support innovation in areas like leadership, technology, STEM.

South Dallas

Amber Gaudet - March 4, 2021

Two fires char Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Museum in South Dallas

Two fires char Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Museum in South Dallas

A couple doors down from the corner of Driskell and Wendelkin streets in South Dallas is what used to be a beautiful historic landmark, the Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Museum, now completely damaged from two intentionally set fires.

South Dallas

Diante Marigny - February 24, 2021

After the storm: Resources for South Dallas neighbors

After the storm: Resources for South Dallas neighbors

Dallas Free Press has compiled a list of resources for South Dallas residents in the aftermath of the winter storm.

South Dallas

Keri Mitchell - February 22, 2021

How some South Dallas families are navigating the pandemic

How some South Dallas families are navigating the pandemic

For many families in South Dallas, COVID has forced them to choose between sending their kids to school and facing financial and health risks, or keeping them home and dealing with isolation and learning loss.

South Dallas

Keri Mitchell - February 5, 2021

Nearly five high schools worth of Dallas ISD students are MIA

Nearly five high schools worth of Dallas ISD students are MIA

Dallas ISD high school, middle school, and elementary students have missed days of school. Authorities presented a plan to address this.

South Dallas

Keri Mitchell - February 5, 2021

‘Transformational’ news on South Dallas’ historic Forest Theater coming in February

‘Transformational’ news on South Dallas’ historic Forest Theater coming in February

“I’ve never seen the marquee light up before,” noted Elizabeth Wattley in a September 2019 podcast about CitySquare’s restoration of the historic Forest Theater. As a child, the theater was an icon Wattley knew well, and even though the Forest was unoccupied in much of Wattley’s remembrance, she still recognized it as “a landmark and a […]

South Dallas

Keri Mitchell - January 21, 2021

Dallas: We need your input on news consumption and local media coverage

Dallas: We need your input on news consumption and local media coverage

This Dallas Free Press survey will inform our community journalism efforts in South Dallas and West Dallas, and help our launching-soon local media collaborative determine its focus topic.

Dallas News

Keri Mitchell - December 28, 2020

Zoning vs. small business: Three South Dallas stories

Zoning vs. small business: Three South Dallas stories

“The more things that we bring in that keep our residents in our community spending their money here, the more we create that ecosystem of a sustainable economy that is going to give back to this community, instead of all of our dollars being spent elsewhere,” says Councilman Adam Bazaldua.

South Dallas

Nicolette White - December 3, 2020

Questions answered: South Dallas Fair Park Public Improvement District (PID)

Questions answered: South Dallas Fair Park Public Improvement District (PID)

Dallas Free Press recently asked questions about the South Dallas Fair Park PID to try to understand how these tax dollars are benefitting the neighborhood, and how COVID might be impacting the work.

South Dallas

Nicolette White - November 30, 2020

South Dallas leaders press DART for curb-to-curb transportation service

South Dallas leaders press DART for curb-to-curb transportation service

A community survey showed that 45 percent of the people in the South Dallas zip codes of 75210 and 75215 don't have cars. Community leaders want to bring DART's GoLink service to the neighborhood.

South Dallas

Sujata Dand - October 21, 2020

This mental health podcast from a South Dallas native recognizes we all need help

This mental health podcast from a South Dallas native recognizes we all need help

For Reynolds, a South Dallas native who grew up in the South Blvd/Park Row neighborhood, The Help Show has been a spiritual journey that has allowed her to process her grief.

South Dallas

Sriya Reddy - September 17, 2020