Historic Groundbreaking Ceremony Ushers in New Era for Forest Forward Theater in South Dallas (Photos)

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Source: Forest Foward

The Sunny South Dallas Community gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony and community block party celebration Thursday, April 4,2024. 97.9 The Beat on-air personality, Jazzi Black and Majic 94.5 on-air personality Nanette Lee were there to share this momentous moment with the city.

Speakers included Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Senator Royce West, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazaldua and leaders from Target and Forest Forward.

Following the groundbreaking ceremonies, a block party kicked off with an array of local entertainment. South Dallas own, Big Tuck hit the stage, Miss Teen Texas, dance teams and more.

The event was presented by nonprofit Forest Forward whose mission is to ignite a just, healthy and thriving South Dallas. Key components include re-establishing the 75-year-old Forest Theater as a neighborhood anchor and versatile arts center, creating cradle-to-college education pathways with Dallas ISD and the Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy, and developing mixed-income housing surrounding the theater.

HISTORY

Boasting a rich and diverse history, the Forest Theater was built in 1949 by Karl Hoblitzelle, the successful developer of the Majestic, Lakewood and Inwood theaters. At the time, Forest Theater served a predominantly Jewish population who resided in South Dallas.

In the early 1950s, construction of US Highway 175 adjacent to the Forest Theater began, causing the demolition of 1,400 homes and dividing the neighborhood. After segregation and redlining took its toll, the Forest Theater eventually transitioned to serve the growing African American population. A mecca of art, music and community gatherings, the treasured hub welcomed legendary entertainers such as Tina Turner, Sidney Poitier, Prince, B.B. King and Gladys Knight.

After experiencing numerous closures and uses – including being used as a place of worship, a gathering spot for Girl Scouts and an arts center operated by musician Erykah Badu – the Forest Theater has remained largely vacant since 2009. In 2017, it was acquired by a philanthropic couple committed to equity in the arts and education, and Forest Forward later obtained ownership. The newly renovated theater is expected to reopen December 2025.

ABOUT FOREST FORWARD

Forest Forward is a non-profit organization that partners with the community to drive equitable development, economic mobility, and improve outcomes for children, residents, and families of the South Dallas community. The transformational infusion of $75.215 million into the heart of zip code 75215 will ignite healthy neighborhood revitalization and create a new vibrant core for the City of Dallas.

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, an individual’s zip code predicts life expectancy more than genetic code. 75215 life expectancy is 67 years, the lowest in Dallas County.