Visions for Revitalization of MLK Boulevard

Is This Good and for Who?

By Caitlynne Vickerstaff
JournaliZm

Professor Annette Nevins wanted her students to see historical South Dallas – one of the city’s more neglected urban areas – for themselves, and not learn of it from the pages of a college textbook.

So, this week, she took 17 students who are either majoring or interested in Journalism or a correlated field on an in-person walking tour of a three-mile stretch immediately south of downtown Dallas’ southern sector so that they could immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, smells, and appearance of one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

Nevins, a visiting professor wanted her students to formulate their own opinions.

It was desired that their opinions surrounded two ideals, whether they think the revitalization is for people within the community or to make inactive leaders more favorable? The tour began on the Martin Luther King Boulevard, which is home for many African American citizens. The tour group consisted of students from Duncanville High School, current SMU students, and Texas Metro News Interns.

At the start of the tour, the group went to Vista Bank and participated in a mini-session with Harrison Blair, President of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce.

Since it is the newest bank in nearly three decades, a question that he answered was, “What does it mean to the community to have a new bank in their neighborhood?”

Blair gave students a rundown of what community leaders hope to accomplish within the city, and on the boulevard.

“We have a responsibility not to turn people in need away, and we also have to figure out what kind of services we can add in this area that would provide efficient necessities,’ he said. “How do we make sure that they still feel like they matter.”

To many of the students, it was heartwarming to hear that there are leaders in the community who want to implement a lasting change and cater to the residents in underprivileged areas.

The tour group received an overview at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Located near the Forest Avenue Theater, it’s a pivotal aspect of the revitalization project.

Christopher Dowdy, the Vice President of Strategy for the non-profit organization Forest Forward, gave his spiel about their mission which surrounds “bringing healthy neighborhood revitalization while preserving the history and character of the neighborhood.”

“I want you all to immerse your- selves on this journey, and take it all in. I want you to see the people, the construction, and the vision that we are hoping to fulfill,” Dowdy expressed.

Although it was a treacherous journey getting to the site, it was interesting to see the aforementioned vision coming to life. The students were immersed…in the heat.

To end the tour, there were two stops, the MLK Community Center and The “Great” James Madison High School.

Natasha Cooper, Outreach Specialist, spoke with the group about the space and the foundational intentions for students.

It was separated into three parts, a gym, a tea and coffee shop, and a restaurant.

“We want to create a space for students to come after school and decompress, chat with friends, and grab a cup of coffee or tea,” Cooper said.

The area where the community center is located, is directly across the street from the high school, making it an easily accessible location for students.

“The goal here is to make sure students have a safe haven. Currently you are standing on the most dangerous intersection in the country,” she said.

The look on the students’ faces told a lot and one could assume that some had mixed emotions, some were nervous, or even intrigued.

It’s important to know that people are continuously making positive changes in communities, but a question some may have is, will the ongoing improvements bring about positive change? Or will they just end up with another failed promise?

Caitlynne Vickerstaff is an intern at Texas Metro News. She is a graduating senior from the University of Texas at Arlington, originally from the 219 --Merrillville, Indiana. Caitlynne will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Public Relations) and is ready to share her creative juices with society.