By Sylvia Powers
Texas Metro News
Compelled by a recent report from the Office of the Inspector General, the Dallas Black Clergy held a press conference last week to voice serious concerns about the
Henry Wade Juvenile Detention Center, describing it as a “house of horrors.”
Led by Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters, Founding Pastor of Abundant Life A.M.E., Church, several members of the clergy spoke out against the ongoing mistreatment of detained youth and called for urgent reforms.
Dr. Waters pointed out the stark contradiction between how Dallas treats its animals versus its children: “In the city of Dallas, it’s illegal to keep a dog tethered for longer than three hours in a 24-hour period. Yet children at Henry Wade are being held in filthy cells for days, denied even the basic dignity of a daily shower.”
The clergy emphasized the need for a comprehensive, community-driven effort involving government officials, local organizations, and families to address the center’s conditions and create long-term solutions. Their goal is to transform Henry Wade from a detention facility into a place of rehabilitation, healing, and growth for the youth.
Inhumane Conditions and Document Falsification
The report revealed alarming conditions at the detention center, where young people have been kept in cells for up to five days without access to showers, education, or recreational activities. Additionally, the consistent falsification of observation documents—a legal requirement to ensure the safety and well-being of the youth—was highlighted. Dr. Waters stressed, “These violations have been occurring since 2009, indicating this is not a new issue but part of a larger, systematic problem in the juvenile justice system.”
Dr. Waters also cited the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, emphasizing the need to hold Henry Wade accountable for these violations.
Overcrowding and Racial Disparities
Overcrowding at the Henry Wade Juvenile Detention Center has further exacerbated the already dire conditions. Many juveniles spend extended periods in detention while awaiting trial or placement in rehabilitative programs. This delay, the clergy group argues, creates an unhealthy environment that hinders rehabilitation efforts.
Racial disparities within the system were also brought to light, with Black and Hispanic youth being disproportionately represented in the facility. Dr. Waters noted, “These issues mirror broader racial inequities in the jus- tice system, both in Dallas County and nationwide.”
Demands for Change
The Dallas Black Clergy has issued several demands to address the crisis at Henry Wade:
- Meeting with the Juvenile Board: The clergy is calling for each member of the Juvenile Board to meet with them to out- line their plan and commitment to addressing the ongoing issues.
- Community Involvement: They are demanding that the community have a seat at the table in the selection of the next Executive Director of the detention center.
- Independent Review: The group is pushing for an independent third-party review to offer recommendations for best practices, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Dr. Waters underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “It is unacceptable that the center meets only ‘minimum standards’ when we’re talking about the lives and futures of young people.”
Historical and Ongoing Issues
According to the clergy, the problems at Henry Wade are not new. Dr. Waters mentioned that an article from 34 years ago revealed many of the same issues being reported today, indicating a long history of neglect within the facility.
The Dallas Black Clergy, representing nine congregations, has vowed to continue pressing for reforms until meaningful change is achieved. Dr. Waters concluded, “Henry Wade has been a house of horrors for too long. We are determined to be part of the solution.”
Sylvia Powers is a writer and photojournalist for I Messenger Media. An author and activist, she is the founder of the Celebrating Life Foundation and an advocate for women’s health. Write to her at editor@texasmetronews.com.
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