Welcome to The Dallas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Dallas Symphony Orchestra performance

• The St. Paddy's Day Dash down Greenville 5K

• A deep dive into the life of Juanita Craft

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the famous art district in Dallas?

A) Uptown Arts District

B) Deep Ellum

C) Bishop Arts District

D) Arts District

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:
The famous TV show from the 1980s set in Dallas is C) Dallas.

News

💼 Business

New details emerge about a high-rise apartment tower set to change the skyline of downtown Dallas, Texas. (Link)

The Corporate Transparency Act faces a legal challenge as a U.S. District Court judge rules that the reporting requirement exceeds constitutional powers. (Link)

Wing Fuel Systems secures EPA certification for its CNG GM 2.7L engine, further expanding its industry-leading certification portfolio. (Link)

ESGEN Acquisition Corp.'s shareholders greenlight a business combination with Sunergy Renewables, marking a significant step forward in the renewable energy sector. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Josef Martinez scores to secure a 2-1 victory for Montreal against Dallas, overshadowing Petar Musa's debut. (Link)

Despite scoring in his MLS debut, Petar Musa and FC Dallas face defeat against Montréal. (Link)

Luka Doncic extends his triple-double streak, but the Mavericks encounter difficulties in their game against the Pacers. (Link)

Dallas Cowboys sign star quarterback Dak Prescott to a lucrative contract extension, solidifying their future in the NFL. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Real estate market in Dallas sees record-breaking home sales as mortgage rates fuel demand and drive up property prices across the metro area. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏃 The St. Paddy's Day Dash Down Greenville 5K
Energy Square, Dallas
Saturday, Mar. 16th | 8:00 AM | (More Info)

🏀 Athletes Unlimited Basketball - Games 13 and 14
Fair Park Coliseum, Dallas
March 14 | (More Info)

⚾ Dallas Baptist University vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders
Horner Ballpark, Dallas
March 15 | (More Info)

Music

🎻 Dallas Symphony Orchestra: Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton
Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas
March 15 | (More Info)

🎤 Geoff Tate
House of Blues Dallas, Dallas
March 14 | (More Info)

🎸 Kolton Moore
The Echo Lounge & Music Hall, Dallas
March 16 | (More Info)

🎶 ABBA Under the Stars
Sky Blu Rooftop Bar, Dallas
March 13 | (More Info)

Family

🍀 Dallas Mavs St. Patrick's Parade and Festival
Half Price Books Dallas, Dallas
Saturday, Mar. 16th | Various Times | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Futuristic Dallas with a network of sky bridges” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Dallas Historical Events

1885: The State Fair of Texas is held in Dallas for the first time.

The State Fair of Texas, first held in 1885, marks a pivotal moment in Dallas's history, showcasing the city's ambition and its capacity to host large-scale events. This inaugural fair was not just a local festivity but a bold statement of Texas's cultural and economic vibrancy. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly industrializing America, the fair aimed to celebrate the achievements of Texan agriculture, industry, and education, drawing attention from across the state and beyond.

From its inception, the State Fair of Texas was envisioned as a gathering that would foster community spirit, promote agricultural innovation, and provide entertainment for all ages. It featured livestock exhibitions, mechanical innovations, and a variety of performances, embodying the diverse interests of the Texan population. The fair quickly became a beloved annual tradition, reflecting the dynamic growth and the pioneering spirit of both Dallas and the state of Texas at large.

Over the years, the State Fair of Texas has grown exponentially, becoming one of the largest and most anticipated events in the state. Its role in promoting education, innovation, and community engagement has remained central, with the fair continuously adapting to reflect the changing face of Texas. The fair's lasting success is a testament to the vision of its founders and the enduring appeal of this quintessentially Texan celebration.

Famous People From Dallas

Juanita Craft (1902–1985)

Early Life and Commitment to Education (1902-1925)

Juanita Craft was born in 1902 in Round Rock, Texas, and raised in a time of pervasive racial segregation and discrimination in the American South. Despite these challenges, Craft's mother, a former slave, instilled in her a strong belief in the power of education and the importance of standing up for one's rights. Craft pursued her education with determination, eventually becoming a teacher, which laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice.

Move to Dallas and NAACP Involvement (1925-1942)

Craft moved to Dallas in the mid-1920s, where she initially worked as a hotel maid and later as a dressmaker. Her engagement with the civil rights movement began in earnest in 1935 when she joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Her dynamic leadership and unwavering dedication quickly became evident, propelling her to key roles within the organization.

Leadership in Desegregation Efforts (1942-1955)

As the Dallas NAACP Youth Council advisor, Craft played a pivotal role in organizing and leading desegregation efforts across Texas. She was instrumental in the integration of the University of Texas Law School, North Texas State University, and the Texas State Fair, among others. Craft's tireless activism and strategic approach to civil rights advocacy resulted in significant progress against institutionalized racism.

Civil Rights Milestones and National Recognition (1955-1965)

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Craft's leadership extended to key civil rights milestones, including the Brown v. Board of Education decision and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Her contributions to the civil rights movement garnered national recognition, establishing her as a formidable force for equality and justice.

Dallas City Council Tenure and Local Impact (1965-1975)

In 1975, Juanita Craft made history by being elected to the Dallas City Council, becoming the second African American to serve on the council. Her tenure was marked by her continued advocacy for civil rights, housing, healthcare, and education, directly impacting policy and improving the lives of Dallas's marginalized communities.

Connection to Dallas (Throughout Career)

Craft's impact on Dallas went beyond her political achievements. She was a beloved community leader whose efforts to combat racism and promote equality left a lasting legacy on the city. The Juanita Craft Civil Rights House, her former home in Dallas, became a historic landmark, serving as a testament to her contributions to the city and the civil rights movement.

Mentorship and Legacy (1975-1985)

Even after her retirement from active politics, Craft remained a mentor to younger generations of activists, sharing her knowledge and experience to inspire continued advocacy for civil rights. Her legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Death and Enduring Influence (1985)

Juanita Craft passed away in 1985, but her influence endures through the lives she touched and the progress she spurred. She is remembered as a trailblazer in the civil rights movement and a dedicated public servant whose work transformed Dallas and contributed to the national struggle for equality.

Key Achievements:

• Played a pivotal role in desegregating universities and public institutions in Texas.

• Served on the Dallas City Council, advocating for the rights and welfare of African American communities.

• Received national recognition for her contributions to the civil rights movement.

• Left a lasting legacy in Dallas and beyond as a mentor, leader, and advocate for justice.

Juanita Craft's journey from a dedicated educator to a renowned civil rights activist and Dallas City Council member exemplifies a life of extraordinary commitment to equality and social justice. Her strategic leadership in the NAACP, pivotal role in desegregation efforts, and impactful tenure in local government showcase her as a central figure in the fight against racial discrimination. Craft's enduring legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists, embodying the spirit of resilience and the continuous struggle for civil rights.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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