Overview:
The South Dallas community celebrated the dedication of the John Lewis Social Justice Academy, a $80 million investment in the heart of Oak Cliff. The academy, named after the civil rights icon, is a symbol of progress and a promise of what’s next for South Dallas. The school’s mission is to prepare a new generation to take up the fight for social justice and shape the future. The academy’s namesake, Congressman John Lewis, was just 23 years old when he spoke at the 1963 March on Washington, reminding everyone that “freedom isn’t a state, it’s an act. And each generation must do its part.”
A Historic Dedication for a New Era
On Tuesday night, November 13, the South Dallas community gathered for a moment that felt both historic and healing. Elected officials, educators, and longtime community leaders joined students and families at Oliver Wendell Holmes Junior High to dedicate the brand-new John Lewis Social Justice Academy off of Kiest Boulevard, an $80 million investment in the heart of Oak Cliff.
The evening was filled with reflection, pride, and a clear sense of progress. The night’s events included a tour of the new multimillion dollar campus, remarks from community leaders and a performance from the John Lewis Social justice Academy mass Choir of the school song ‘Every Praise.’
What was once a segregated campus when it opened over 70 years ago now bears the name of one of America’s most courageous civil rights icons. The dedication is a powerful symbol of how far South Dallas has come, and a promise of what’s next.
“It was really important to us that the spirit of that man was present here,” said Byron Sanders, DISD Board Trustee for District 5. “There’s never been a revolution in history that didn’t have young people at the front line. But we can’t just hope they’ll pick up the stories. We’ve got to teach them.”
Honoring John Lewis and the Power of Youth
The academy’s namesake, Congressman John Lewis, was just 23 years old when he spoke at the 1963 March on Washington. That reminder of youthful courage was central to the night’s message.
Freedom isn’t a state, it’s an act. And each generation must do its part.”
Congresswoman Nikema Williams, GA 5th District
Congresswoman Nikema Williams of Georgia’s 5th District now holds the same seat Lewis once did. Congresswoman Williams spoke passionately about the connection between young people and change. “When I saw the students debating today, I was reminded that it’s the children who continue to lead us and show us the way,” she said. “John Lewis began his work when he was barely older than some of these students. Freedom isn’t a state, it’s an act. And each generation must do its part.”
Congresswoman Nikema Williams addresses the crowd at the John lewis Social justice Academy building dedication. Credit Ceara Johnson
Williams also urged the audience to see this new academy not as a memorial, but as a movement. “These halls will prepare a new generation to take up the fight, not just by learning about history, but by shaping the future,” she said.
Community Leadership and Civic Lessons
Among the dignitaries were U.S. Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Hakeem Jeffries, State Senator Royce West, State Representative Toni Rose, Dallas City Councilmember Maxie Johnson, Dallas ISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, and several others who have championed equity through education.
Senator West emphasized the ongoing importance of civic engagement. “We’ve got to build coalitions based on shared interests in order to get things done,” he said, calling on students to register to vote and participate in local government. “These young people will ultimately be the leaders of tomorrow.”
Representative Rose, an Oak Cliff native, spoke from the heart about her connection to the community and her renewed sense of hope after seeing the new facility. “When I turned my head and saw that building, my heart leaped,” she said. “John Lewis once told me, ‘Always make sure you stay in good trouble.’ Seeing his face on that building reminded me to keep doing just that.”
Education as a Catalyst for Social Change
Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde closed the evening by reflecting on the school’s transformation from a once-segregated campus to a modern hub of progress.
“When Holmes first opened, it only served white students. Today, we dedicate ourselves to continuing that change,” she said. “We don’t change the world in public schools, we change the people who change the world.”
John Lewis Social Justice Academy at Oliver Wendell Holmes Junior High is home to the Tigers, a mascot that echoes the fierce legacy of leaders and changemakers to graduate from the school. Credit: Ceara Johnson
She noted that Holmes has long produced leaders- from mayors to educators- and that the John Lewis Social Justice Academy will continue that legacy. “It’s fitting that this once-segregated campus now bears the names of two towering figures: Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes and Congressman John Lewis. This school connects students to a heritage of truth and justice—and to a future where they’ll turn those ideals into reality.”
The Next Generation Rising
Perhaps the most emotional reflections came from Dominique Alexander, Vice President of the Dallas ISD Bond Advisory Committee and founder of the Next Generation Action Network.
Born and raised in the 75216 zip code, Alexander spoke about his journey from these same school grounds to becoming an activist and advocate for education. “Education is the passport to our children’s future,” he said. “What we are doing today is telling future generations: you matter, your future matters. No matter what hateful agenda rises against you, there will always be people standing in the gap for you.”
He connected the new school’s mission to the enduring fight for justice. “Every day we have to fight for the right to vote, for the right to learn our history,” he said. “This institution will pave the way for future generations of leaders, doctors, and organizers. We’re standing here on sacred ground—for our Black and Brown children, and for everything they will become.”
A Promise for South Dallas
The dedication of the John Lewis Social Justice Academy marks more than a new building, it marks a turning point for Oak Cliff.
“These young people will ultimately be the leaders of tomorrow.”
State senator royce west
From its halls will come young minds shaped not only by books, but by the legacy of those who marched, bled, and dreamed for justice. In the words of Congressman Lewis himself, this academy stands ready to create “good trouble”- the kind that bends history toward progress.
“This is our civil rights movement,” Congresswoman Williams reminded the crowd. “And it begins right here in Dallas.”
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