Those who are longtime Dallasites know of the Jewish community’s rich tradition in South Dallas. There is an incredible organization, Forest Forward, which is leading transformation in South Dallas through restoration of a significant community hub in the neighborhood, the Forest Theater. This Theater is now the sole remaining piece of commercial real estate in South Dallas with Jewish history.
The Forest Theater was built in 1949 by Karl Hoblitzelle, the successful developer of the Majestic, Lakewood, and Inwood Theaters. The Forest Theater served as a gathering space for Jewish and African American neighbors, bringing incredible artists such as Tina Turner, Prince, Gladys Knight and B.B. King to perform and serving as a place of worship, celebration and convening for this diverse neighborhood. In the early 1950s, construction of US 175 began, causing the demolition of more than 1,300 homes, bifurcating neighborhoods. The previously predominately Jewish community was reshaped by redlining and segregated housing policies into a predominately African American community.
Over the past 50 years, the Theater has gone through several closures and uses. Repeated, unsuccessful efforts were made to rejuvenate the Forest Theater into an operating and sustaining venue. In 2017, the Forest Theater was acquired and gifted by a philanthropic couple committed to equity in the arts and education. A local nonprofit, Forest Forward, has obtained ownership and is ushering in a new era of arts and culture. The Forest Theater bridges the history of what was with innovative ideas of what could be – and will serve as an incubator for creativity across generations, geographies, ethnicities, and cultures.
DJCF, too, is dedicated to innovation and serves as a bridge between philanthropists and their charitable passions. We are proud of our work as a cross-generational conduit for generosity. Our two organizations came together in mid-May to elevate shared stories of South Dallas in an event featuring Rosie Stromberg and Willie Mae Coleman – two women who grew up in the same zip code: 75215. Rosie is a lifelong advocate for public education and leader in our Jewish community. Willie Mae is a tireless activist and leader for the African American community in South Dallas. Scott Murray, the discussion’s moderator, and Rabbi David Stern of Temple Emanu-El, elevated the dialogue to showcase our communities’ mutual understanding and respect for one another. Throughout this event’s coordination, my admiration and support for Elizabeth Wattley, the impressive CEO of Forest Forward, was even more solidified. We have grown and learned from each other, and I’m so confident that special things are ahead of our two organizations and the causes we support – as Elizabeth frequently says, “The future is here.”
