The Fort Worth City Council passed a resolution Tuesday night to lease city-owned land in the Historic Southside for the construction of the National Juneteenth Museum.
Honoring Juneteenth and Preserving Community Services
The museum will recognize Fort Worth’s role in Juneteenth history and its connection to Opal Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” The plan also ensures that programs currently housed at the Southside Community Center (SCC) remain accessible to residents.
Key Details of the Plan
- The SCC, built in 1970, has served as a hub for community services in the Historic Southside.
- Under the approved plan, SCC programs will relocate to the Hazel Harvey Peace (HHP) Center for Neighborhoods, about half a mile away.
- The HHP Center, built in 2009, offers modern facilities while keeping services within the neighborhood.
- The SCC will continue operations at its current location until construction on the museum begins.
Community Support and Impact
City officials held multiple public meetings to gather feedback, with most residents supporting the lease as long as SCC programs remained available nearby.
Fort Worth leaders view the project as a historic opportunity to celebrate Juneteenth’s legacy while maintaining essential services for the community.
