Thanks to a crowd of area leaders like Matrice Ellis-Kirk, Senator Royce West, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazaldua, South Dallas Concert Choir, the Lincoln High School Band and longtime advocates for Forest Forward, the enthusiasm for the groundbreaking on Thursday, April 4, for Phase 1 — the revival of the Forest Theater — was contagious. Forest Forward Founder/President/CEO Elizabeth Wattley‘s dedication and efforts had been inspired by her childhood in the South Dallas neighborhood that had resulted in the massive $75.215M program to revitalize the area. Here’s a report from the field:
The sun was shining on Sunny South Dallas on Thursday, April 4, and Elizabeth Wattley couldn’t stop smiling. The day had finally come – the groundbreaking of the historic Forest Theater in South Dallas.
Founder and president/CEO of the South Dallas nonprofit Forest Forward, Elizabeth was joined by board members, donors and supporters, elected officials from every government level, and longtime neighborhood leaders.
And after years of hard work and unrelenting fundraising by many unspoken heroes, the momentous event marked a fresh start for the 75-year-old iconic landmark, which in its heyday was known as a mecca of art, music and community gatherings where legends such as Tina Turner, Prince, Sidney Poitier, B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix captivated crowds.
The Forest Theater rehabilitation is Phase I of a massive $75.215 million revitalization program that will bring much-needed resources into the heart of zip code 75215. The vision is to re-establish the theater as a thriving neighborhood anchor and versatile arts center, creating cradle-to-college education pathways with Dallas ISD through the formation of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy, and developing mixed-income housing surrounding the theater.
For Elizabeth, Forest Forward represents a personal passion. She grew up in Oak Cliff and spent many years as a child in South Dallas. Her father recalled his first “picture” at age 6 at the Forest Theater, and she’s repeatedly been told the stories of first dates, unforgettable concerts and memorable family outings. Her goal is to restore the neighborhood to the vibrancy it once knew.
The groundbreaking program included Forest Forward Board Chair Matrice Ellis-Kirk expressing her thanks to the many grass-roots voices in the community who helped form the dream and the leaders, lawmakers and philanthropists who played a role in bringing it to fruition.
There to offer congratulations and turn over the first shovels of ceremonial dirt were Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Senator Royce West, State Representative Venton Jones, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, Council Member Adam Bazaldua and Amanda Vela representing Target, a top underwriter of the celebration.
In an afternoon of big moments, some stood out! The crowd cheered when a $1 million gift from Margot Perot and her family – made just days ago –was announced.
And Elizabeth thrilled the crowd, reporting that five MLK Arts Academy students – who are part of the school’s first 8th grade class – recently applied to Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Four were accepted and one is wait listed!
Another highlight was when Draven Romero, a sixth grader and aspiring actor who attends the MLK Arts Academy, eloquently expressed his appreciation.
The evening, which included a block party, was generously supported with major gifts from Target and HKS, along with key sponsorships from Linbeck Group and Con-Real Construction, Bank of Texas, WFAA, Comerica, State Fair of Texas, The Projects Group and Dallas Mavericks.
Elizabeth closed the program noting that the groundbreaking at the Forest Theater “symbolizes community partnership and collaboration at it’s very best – because when we come together to work toward a common vision, we are unstoppable.”
To make donations, volunteer, sign up for the newsletter and more, visit ForestForward.org.
* Photo credit: Ethan Yizong Xie