Dallas, TX

A trip through time to the Dallas communities created by newly freed men

Published

6 months ago

June 19, 2024

A trip through time to the Dallas communities created by newly freed men

DALLAS — Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were told they were free.

It came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. To mark the day, one organization is highlighting the untold stories of the communities the newly emancipated created in Dallas.

Less than three miles from Downtown Dallas sits one of one of the most preserved Freedmen’s towns in the country.

“It’s kind of been dismissed, many do know but many have dismissed and just covered over it,” said Dr. Deborah Hopes, the president of Remembering Black Dallas.

The Tenth Street historic district of Dallas is one of 12 Freedman communities founded in Dallas County following the Civil War. Dr. Sharron Wilkins Conrad is a historian and volunteer for the organization Remembering Black Dallas.

“We are at the corner of 9th Street and Cliff in the Tenth Street neighborhood of Dallas. This is the Greater El Bethel Baptist Church and this was one of the pivotal and important places in the Tenth Street neighborhood,” said Conrad.

Land ownership and community were vital for the once enslaved and newly freed.

“The folks were kind of able to create a space and a place where they felt safe where they can educate their children, where they can get away from some of the ravages, the economic ravages of sharecropping and just kind of grow and thrive,” said Conrad.

Remembering Black Dallas was awarded a grant by the Library Of Congress to help document the stories of 10th Street. Dr. Deborah Hopes, the organization’s president, sees Juneteenth as a moment to reflect and remember that history.

“I get kind of emotional because when you think about it, they got it late, but they still got it and not only did they get it, but they honored it and celebrated it and because they celebrate, I celebrate,” said Hopes.

To celebrate the resilience of these communities they created the Ukunika Bus and Walking Tours named after the Zulu word meaning ‘to empower” or “give back.”

The tours are supported by a City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture Dallas ArtsActivate grant.

“It’s exciting to share these stories with the community because, again, it’s our history and in order to understand the way that Dallas looks and the way that Dallas feels today, it’s just vital that we hear from these voices that have kind of been overlooked for so long,” said Conrad.

Tenth Street was just one of the stops on their sold-out Juneteenth bus tour last weekend.

But another Freedmen community in Dallas was also along the route.

“I was born and raised in Joppy, lived here most of my life,” said Kimberly High, the executive director of Joppy Momma’s Farm. “My parents grew up here as well, as a matter of fact, the property that we’re standing on is my great-grandmother’s who was one of the first settlers here in Joppy from slavery.”

The community known as Joppa or Joppy was founded by the Freedmen. High runs Joppy Momma’s farm on the land where her ancestors settled.

“We always felt like we were behind and forgotten so to see people come into our community and want to know more about our history. It’s exciting to me,” said High.

By educating neighbors about this land and the importance of healthy eating she’s helping keep the story of Joppy alive.

“We ate off of this property, my grandmother. I used to stand in the door as a kid and watch her go out and harvest our food,” said High. “So it’s just a good feeling to know that I can come back home and do the things that she was doing and I know that she’s smiling on me.”

But she’s also making sure the seeds Freedmen communities planted all those years ago are still flourishing today.

For more information about Remembering Black Dallas’ upcoming Ukunika Bus Tours, click here.

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Dallas, TX

Alamo Drafthouse saga leads Dallas' top entertainment stories of 2024

Published

8 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

Alamo Drafthouse saga leads Dallas' top entertainment stories of 2024

As the year 2024 comes to a close, Dallas is ready with all sorts of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve: from classical music to cover bands, from rooftop parties to masquerade balls. Here are the nine most interesting choices to help get 2025 off to a great start.

Gaylord Texan presents Glass Cactus New Year’s Eve Bash
Gaylord Texan in Grapevine will ring in the New Year at their nightclub, Glass Cactus, with performances by cover bands Infinite Journey and Nerd Halen. General admission includes a sparkling rosé toast at midnight, while VIP admission includes a sparkling rosé toast at midnight passed hors d’oeuvres, one drink ticket, and early entrance to club that includes a private 15-20 minute acoustic set from Infinite Journey.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents New Year’s Eve
Before the ball drops, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will kick off New Year’s celebrations with an evening of music, conducted by Moritz Gnann. Among the selections will be four compositions from Johann Strauss II, Bernstein’s Divertimento Waltz, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, and more. The concert takes place at Meyerson Symphony Center.

Waterproof presents Countdown in the Sky
Waterproof, the rooftop lounge at The Statler Hotel in downtown Dallas, will present Countdown in the Sky, a night of music and spectacular views. The Couples package includes two VIP entry tickets with front-of-the-line access, one Champagne bottle, one high-top table and New Year’s Eve party favors. Additional packages are available for groups of 6 to 12 people.

Texas Live presents NYE Live!
At NYE Live! at Texas Live in Arlington, guests can welcome the New Year in style with entertainment, food and drink options, and a vibrant atmosphere. There will be live music, entertainment, decor, champagne toasts, and celebrations all night long.

Pegasus City Brewery presents NYE Bash
Pegasus City Brewery in Dallas will present a Monte Carlo/Casablanca/Gatsby style New Year’s Eve Bash for their fourth annual celebration. The evening will feature casino-style games, a performance by the David Washburn Jazz Band, an old-school photo booth, a Mexican food dinner, and a choice of 18 taps with beer, cider, and seltzer, plus wine and champagne, zero-proof options, and sodas. It all ends with a toast at midnight.

Meow Wolf Grapevine presents New Year’s Eve Adultiverse
On New Year’s Eve, reality takes a backseat as Meow Wolf Grapevine presents a special edition of Adulti-Verse. Guests 21 and over can enjoy Meow Wolf’s unique experience in style as the interdimensional soirée features a full-service bar and a performance by Night Shade Burlesque, as well as a champagne toast at midnight. Food & beverage will be available for purchase at the cafe.

Catbird presents NYE Met Gala
Catbird, the restaurant and bar at Thompson Dallas, will present a Met Gala-themed New Year’s Eve party, an opportunity for guests to wear over-the-top outfits. The event will transform the lounge into a prestigious and glamorous fashion event, complete with a red carpet, paparazzi, champagne, and special guest DJ Christopher Reid.

The Statler presents Royal Masquerade Ball
While the Statler’s rooftop bar will be hopping, their Grand Ballroom will transform into a Royal Masquerade Ball, complete with extravagant decorations, an open bar, casino games, and party favors. The festivities begin with DJs spinning Top 40 and hip-hop mashups. General admission tickets include access to an open bar and an evening of celebration. Before the ball, guests can dine in The Statler’s private dining space, a three-course dinner featuring premium wine and beer and a chef-curated menu.

Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower
Reunion Tower will once again ring in the new year by presenting the annual Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower fireworks show. The show will feature a display of over 5,000 pyrotechnic special effects, a 259 LED light display, and nearly 300 drones. There is no viewing allowed near the tower; viewing can be done at nearby parties or city streets. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth / KXAS will broadcast the event, and The Spot (98.7 FM), will simulcast the celebration.

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Dallas, TX

These Dallas-Fort Worth bars, restaurants offer refined mocktails

Published

18 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

These Dallas-Fort Worth bars, restaurants offer refined mocktails

Are you looking for a spot to sip on no-alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks in Dallas-Fort Worth? Options aren’t as slim as they once were for Dry January (or a dry or drier lifestyle) as more restaurants and bars add mocktails and other balanced, refreshing concoctions without the booze.

Beyond the Bar in Richardson

This was D-FW’s first no-alcohol bottle shop. Find unique zero-proof beverages of all sorts when you stop in.

101 S. Sherman St. B, Richardson. Open Tuesday through Sunday.

Community Beer Co. in Dallas

The Dallas brewery can pour NA beers. The sprawling venue, which changed locales in recent years, also has a robust food menu. Grab a table outside when it’s sunny.

3110 Commonwealth Dr., Dallas. Open Wednesday through Sunday.

Doughbird near University Park

There’s a zero-proof section at the recently opened restaurant in Inwood Village, near the intersection of Inwood Road and Lovers Lane. Find a cheery blackberry rickey, made with mint, blackberry jam, fresh lime, and fizzy water, or southern peach tea, comprised of clover honey, peach and sparkling yuzu sour.

5560 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas.

HG Sply Co.

Consult the “non-spirited” section of HG’s menu when stopping in. Mocktails with a healthful twist – think twists like beets or turmeric – are a point of emphasis at nutrition-conscious restaurant.

Multiple locations.

Ida Claire in Addison

Find six mocktails during Dry January at Ida Claire. Those include the Like a Virgin, with pineapple, grapefruit, lemon, blackberry, agave and soda, and Dazed & Confused, which includes Pamos THC spirit, pineapple, lemon, blueberry simple syrup and yuzu lime soda. The beverages are available all day through Jan. 31.

5001 Beltline Rd., Dallas.

Ladylove Lounge & Sound in Bishop Arts

Skip to the elixirs section of the cool lounge’s menu for a some surprising, well-balanced non-alcoholic flavor pairings. The elixirs are also included in Monday-Friday happy hour specials, which isn’t the most typical move.

Open daily. 310 W. Seventh St., Dallas.

Uchi in Dallas

Along with Uchiba and Loro in Dallas and Uchiko in Plano, Uchi has a menu filled with both low ABV and no-ABV beverages. Loro, a Japanese and barbecue fusion restaurant, has zero-proof options that include the spicy cucumber with lime, yuzu and ghost agave.

Multiple locations.

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Dallas, TX

Dallas Wings name Chris Koclanes as new head coach, have No. 1 overall WNBA pick in 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2024

Press Room

Dallas Wings name Chris Koclanes as new head coach, have No. 1 overall WNBA pick in 2025

NORTH TEXAS – Fresh from garnering the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, the Dallas Wings now have a new leader.

Chris Koclanes, known as a defensive and player development master, has been named the Wings’ next head coach.

Currently an assistant coach at the University of Southern California, Koclanes is replacing Latricia Trammell, who was dismissed in October after compiling a 31-49 record over two seasons. The Wings finished 9-31 last season.

Curt Miller, the Wings’ executive vice president and general manager, applauded Koclanes for his leadership, communication and basketball IQ.

“Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars,” Miller said in a news release. “He is a servant leader who places a high value on connection, collaboration, and a positive and consistent communication style with all those he coaches.

“Chris is a fantastic teacher of the game and has an outstanding basketball IQ. He is committed to player development and has a forward-thinking and innovative mind for the game. He is a tireless worker with a foundation built through preparation.

“In addition to his proven on-court skill, Chris possesses values that align perfectly with the Dallas Wings, including a shared focus on positively impacting the community and developing our players off the court.”

Miller touted the “many incredible things” on the Wings’ horizon, including a new arena, state-of-the-art practice facility and its selection of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

“… We are confident Chris is the right person to lead this team into a new era of Dallas Wings basketball,” Miller said.

Koclanes has previous WNBA experience with the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun.

“I look forward to partnering with our ownership, front office, and players to create a sustainable championship culture that is felt on and off the floor, and in the community,” Koclanes said in the release. “I’m excited to support and empower the women of this league as we continue to elevate the WNBA to new heights.”

He kicked off his career in basketball operations and video coordination at William & Mary and St. Joseph’s.

A formal news conference announcing Koclanes is scheduled for Jan. 9 at Reunion Tower in Dallas.

Doug Myers

Doug Myers is a digital content producer for CBS Texas. A longtime journalist, Doug has worked for four newspapers in Texas and Louisiana and for three television stations in Texas. He has also spent time as a digital content manager for a national trade association and as communications director for a state agency.

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