Fair Park is situated just east of downtown Dallas, but its roots trace back to a time when cotton was king and racial tensions ran high.
Scholars note that by the early 1900s, Dallas had become the largest inland port for cotton, a history steeped in slavery and the Confederacy. The resurgence of white supremacy in the , fueled in part by the controversial film "," saw the Klan's membership , turning Fair Park into an epicenter of racial politics.
While its history was steeped in the Confederacy and racism, Fair Park was also a battleground for the Civil Rights Movement in Dallas.
This episode of the series reveals the work of civil rights leaders like A. Maceo Smith, who fought to bring recognition to Black achievements, which led to the establishment of the .
The Hall of Negro Life was a landmark exhibition showcasing the contributions of African Americans. But it was quickly dismantled, revealing the fear and resistance of the white establishment to acknowledge Black success.
Later, figures like and youth council continued the fight organizing protests and famously declaring, "Don't sell your pride for a segregated ride."
Watch this episode to discover how their efforts eventually culminated in the .
RELATED | Meet the Dallas civil rights activist whose work in Fair Park inspired the play 'Travisville'
