I’ve worked at The Dallas Morning News for 23 years and this is the first time I’ve worked at a pop-up newsroom. Recently, dozens of our journalists worked at The Hub, affiliated with St. Philip’s School and Community Center. We met with South Dallas community members where they are.
“I can think of no more important part of our journalism mission than to be in the community, to listen and to amplify voices,” said Tom Huang, assistant managing editor for journalism initiatives at The News.
Michael Hogue
Near the pop-up newsroom was Ruthie’s Cafe. They delivered food to our staff and visitors. The cafe is part of nonprofit The Good Foundation, which provides food and employment opportunities to underserved communities. The net proceeds from the brick-and-mortar cafe are shared with St. Philip’s School and Community Center.
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The cafe also hires people affected by the justice system and who may face obstacles in finding employment opportunities.
Draivon Dixon has an infectiously happy personality and an obvious dedication to his work. After spending two years in prison, he was released and reached out to North Texas nonprofit Unlocking Doors, which works with Ruthie’s.
Michael Hogue
Dr. Sabrina Hodge, executive director for student leadership and success at UNT Dallas, helps first-generation college students prepare to graduate, with an emphasis on leadership and professional development.
Michael Hogue
The Forest Theater redevelopment is a cornerstone of the area’s revitalization. Built in 1949 as a whites-only movie theater, its identity evolved in the 1950s. It became a hub for African American audiences, hosting performances by legends like Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, B.B. King, Dave Chappelle and Prince.
After many openings and closings, Erykah Badu relaunched the theater in 2003, naming it Black Forest Theater, honoring its legacy as an African American venue.
Forest Forward is the nonprofit leading the renovations to the theater. The space will include a 1,000-seat concert hall, an immersive art studio, visual art studio, media lab, podcast studio, cafe and more.
Nijeul X, the new Forest Theater director, talked with me about the challenges — and his vision for the space.
Michael Hogue
“There’s space for people to see work, and there’s space for people to connect in an immersive experience with art,” he said. “Let me tell you, from the rooftop on down… What a gift. This is going to be great!”
Nick and Keesha Reeder own Sweet & Chill, a gourmet coffee and dessert bar, located next door to The Hub on MLK Boulevard. I highly recommend the Sweet & Chill Latte.
Originally from New York, the Reeders have lived in Dallas for over two decades and they have positive vibes about the potential for the burgeoning neighborhood.
Michael Hogue
“We’ve also seen a lot more police presence, so there have been less stragglers coming by,” said Keesha.
Lisa Elin, a creative director, writer and Peabody winner for her virtual reality/immersive documentary, Vestige, has lived coast-to-coast and in between: Harlem, Venice Beach, Salt Lake City, then moving to Lower Greenville and Junius Heights. She and her husband, JB Moresco, recently planted roots in the South Boulevard/Park Row Historic District in South Dallas.
Michael Hogue
Located behind Ruthie’s Cafe is the WeCreation Center, a beautiful community hub for human-centered design. The center offers classes and certifications in leatherwork, sewing, drone piloting, video editing, embroidery digitizing, 3D printing, podcasting and graphic design.
Co-founded by master leather craftsman Arthur Porter, the WeCreation Center partnered with St. Philip’s in 2023 to create a community center that works with students, seniors and other groups to promote creativity and entrepreneurship.
Michael Hogue
Ken Smith, president of Revitalize South Dallas Coalition, grew up in South Dallas. He sat down to talk about many of the issues he thinks The News should be illuminating.
“I think it’s important that we put emphasis in every arena on ownership and control of the property and institutions in our community. If we don’t own and control them, then we are at the beck and call of others,” Smith said.
“Let’s control the future and destiny of South Dallas with our own money, our own resources, and with like-minded partners who see the vision for the community the same as we see the vision for our community.”
He also talked about working tirelessly to structure a deal to manage Fair Park, only to see it come to pieces.
Sais Daniel is the managing director of community impact for Bridge Builders.
“We try to address the access that has been historically denied to the neighbors in Bonton,” she said. “We do that through after-school programming, hosting a community pantry, a community eye clinic, anything from K-12, and we have a senior home delivery program.”
Michael Hogue
“A lot of money has been given to South Dallas and I think that collaboration within South Dallas is something that is lacking,” said Daniel.
“I think that collaboration could help drive more changes in South Dallas, because you know who is collaborating? The developers.”