Dallas Black History AdvenTOUR

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  Explore one of Dallas’ few surviving Freedmen’s communities, established by formerly enslaved African Americans and their descendants after the Civil War. Learn about the families, churches, homes, and businesses that built a thriving Black community in Oak Cliff.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2

  Hear the powerful story of Allen Brooks, a Black Dallas laborer lynched by a mob in downtown Dallas in 1910. The historical marker at Pegasus Plaza commemorates Brooks while encouraging remembrance and a deeper understanding of Dallas’ history of racial violence.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3
  Deep Ellum

  Discover the Black roots of Deep Ellum, where African American musicians, entrepreneurs, theaters, clubs, restaurants, and businesses helped create one of Dallas’ most legendary entertainment districts. Hear the stories of the blues and jazz artists who helped put Deep Ellum on the musical map. Walk the same streets as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Bessie Smith, Lead Belly, and other legends Take pictures in front of the historic murals and vibrant public art

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4

  Dr. Walter Ree McMillan & McMillan Sanitarium Discover the legacy of pioneering Black physician Dr. Walter Ree McMillan, who opened McMillan Sanitarium at 2322 Hall Street in historic Freedman’s Town. The sanitarium provided vital medical care while Dr. McMillan mentored Black physicians and medical professionals, including Dr. William Knox Flowers Sr., Dr. Lee G. Pinkston, Dr. William Green, and Dr. Samuel L. Brown, before they established practices of their own. His daughter, Ollie Lee McMillan Mason, served as a nurse at the sanitarium and later became the first African American nurse hired by Parkland Hospital. Today, Dr. McMillan’s legacy is commemorated with a Texas Historical Marker at 2404 N. Hall Street, just north of State Street.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5

  The Flowers Building Discover the legacy of Dr. William Knox Flowers Sr. and Jr. During the 1918 influenza epidemic, Dr. Flowers Sr., a Black physician practicing during segregation, developed a treatment that saved black and white lives, showing how medicine, science and innovation can cross racial barriers and save lives. In 1925, he built the Flowers Building at 2317 Hall Street, home to the medical practices of Dr. Flowers Sr., his sons, and other Black businesses. The organization that became the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce was established there in 1926, with Dr. Flowers Sr. serving on its first Executive Committee. In 1954, Dr. Flowers Jr. and Dr. Lee G. Pinkston were among the first five Black physicians granted privileges at previously segregated St. Paul Hospital. Dr. Flowers Jr. later served South Dallas until his life was tragically taken during a late-night burglary at his medical office, continuing a family legacy of service, sacrifice and breaking barriers.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6

  Freedman's Cemetery Memorial Visit this powerful memorial honoring generations of African Americans who lived in North Dallas Freedman’s Town. The historic cemetery preserves an important connection to the formerly enslaved people and their descendants who established one of Dallas’ earliest Black communities. Historic Hall Street & North Dallas Freedman’s Town Travel through historic North Dallas Freedman’s Town, where Hall Street became an important center of Black medicine, business, and professional life. Learn how Black doctors, nurses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders built institutions to serve their community despite the barriers of segregation.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  St. Paul United Methodist Church See one of Dallas’ oldest African American congregations, established by formerly enslaved people. Located in historic Freedman’s Town, St. Paul represents generations of Black faith, leadership, education, and community building. Founded in 1873 by formerly enslaved residents Oldest African American Methodist congregation in Dallas Important center for education, civil rights, and community leadership Beautiful Gothic Revival architecture.

  Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  See the historic site associated with Dallas’ early secondary education for African American students during segregation. Today, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts continues a remarkable legacy of education, creativity, and achievement.

  Admission ticket free
• 7

  Home of Dallas civil rights icon Juanita Craft Meeting place for NAACP leaders and national civil rights organizers Discover how grassroots organizing helped desegregate Dallas Hear stories of visits by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Lyndon B. Johnson.

  25 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 8

  Dallas' premier museum dedicated to African American art, history, and culture One of the nation's largest collections of African American folk art Texas slavery, Reconstruction, Civil Rights, and Black military exhibits Learn how Fair Park evolved from a segregated exposition to a center of cultural celebration.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 9

  Classic South Dallas soul food and barbecue restaurant Local favorite located near Fair Park Relax and enjoy authentic Texas barbecue while discussing the day's discoveries Great opportunity for guests to connect and share favorite moments from the tour

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 10
  Ronald Kirk pedestrian bridge

  Named for Ron Kirk, Dallas' first elected African American mayor Spectacular skyline photo opportunity overlooking Downtown Dallas Learn about Ron Kirk's leadership, the Trinity River Project, and Dallas' transformation One of the city's most Instagram-worthy viewpoints.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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