Fort Worth Approves Juneteenth Museum Development

The Fort Worth City Council has unanimously approved the demolition of the Southside Community Center to make way for the National Juneteenth Museum, marking a significant milestone in the museum's development. The city will contribute up to $15 million and lease the land to the museum for $1 a year over a 40-year period, with the requirement to break ground by October 31, 2027. The museum, which has raised over $40 million towards its $70 million goal, will feature galleries, a business incubator, and a theater, drawing design inspiration from the Juneteenth flag and local architecture. This project, championed by Opal Lee, aims to revitalize the Historic Southside, once a vibrant cultural hub, and is expected to boost jobs and tourism. The new museum will celebrate Juneteenth's legacy and serve as a cultural hub. Community services currently located at the Southside Community Center will be relocated to the Hazel Harvey Peace Center to maintain neighborhood support.