On Thursday, October 3, U.S. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett presented the City of Dallas with a $2.5 million appropriation to upgrade and expand the MLK Jr. Community Center. This funding will enable vital improvements, ensuring the center continues to serve as a cornerstone of the South Dallas and Fair Park community.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Bazaldua, who represents District 7, expressed his gratitude, stating, “This funding is more than an investment in a building, it’s an investment in the future of South Dallas. This center is truly a one-stop shop for our residents, providing services like fresh produce, senior care, workforce training, and serving as a key voting location during election seasons.
The funding will support substantial enhancements, enabling the center to expand its capacity to deliver vital services and better address the needs of the community and our service provider partners. Planned improvements include more flexible, multi-purpose spaces, reconfigured meeting rooms and classrooms, the addition of a teaching kitchen or cooking demonstration area, enhanced storage solutions, and upgraded restroom accessibility.
Reaching tens of thousands of residents annually through events, programming and engagement, the MLK Jr. Community Center is a hub for essential city services, community events, and partner organizations like the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, the Dallas Civil Rights Museum, Empowering the Masses, and Miles of Freedom. The campus includes an Administration Building, Foremost Family Health Center, the MLK Branch Library, the MLK Recreation and Senior Center, and ChildCareGroup facilities.