Allocating Ten Million Dollars for the Advancement of the National Juneteenth Museum Construction in Texas
In the heart of Fort Worth's Historic Southside, the National Juneteenth Museum is gearing up for construction, thanks to a hefty $10 million state grant. Museo boss Jarred Howard spilled the beans to the Report on June 9, but Gov. Greg Abbott still needs to seal the deal with his signature.
The Texas House and Senate gave their nod to this financial boost through the state budget, making it a bipartisan collaboration. Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, and Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, were among the Tarrant County crooners advocating for this fundraising drive. Despite a request for comment, neither of these heavy hitters returned the Report's calls by presstime.
Howard announced the state's financial support made him "Tickled pink," as they say in the Lone Star State, recognizing Juneteenth's importance in American history and culture. Previously, lawmakers had pledged a measly $1 million for the project, but this marked increase demonstrates the Legislature's growing interest in the initiative.
The state's donation brings the museum's funding to $50 million - more than two-thirds of its $70 million goal. In February, Fort Worth itself committed $15 million to the cause, making it the largest pledge yet.
The National Juneteenth Museum aims to be a sprawling 50,000-square-foot centerpiece, featuring exhibit galleries, a Black Box space, a business incubator, a food hall, a courtyard, a green space, and a 250-seat theater for lectures, performances, and talks. The museum area will occupy the second floor of a two-story building.
City officials first dreamt of tearing down the existing Southside Community Center to pave the way for the museum in October 2024. This ambitious plan simplified the Juneteenth museum's most pressing problem: acquiring the necessary plots for its original development plans.
Fort Worth council member Chris Nettles, representing the Historic Southside, is over the moon about the state's involvement. "It's like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow," Nettles gushed, emphasizing the project's role in discussing a part of history that's often ignored.
Construction plans for the museum have been pushed back several times since its formal announcement in December 2021. Originally, groundbreaking was planned for the first quarter of 2023, with a mid-2025 grand opening. Unfortunately, comprising the museum's timeline continues to elude Howard, who remains tight-lipped on the new opening date. All he could muster was that they plan to collaborate with the city to expedite groundbreaking.
David Moreno covers arts and culture for the Fort Worth Report and has been following the museum's progress with great interest. As the project unfolds, it's poised to become a major tourist draw in Fort Worth and beyond. Keep an eye on this cultural gem as it takes shape!
[1] Fort Worth Report. (n.d.). The National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth aims to celebrate freedom and strengthen community. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from: https://fortworthreport.org/news/the-national-juneteenth-museum-in-fort-worth-aims-to-celebrate-freedom-and-strengthen-community/[2] Soul of Sycamore. (n.d.). Juneteenth. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from: https://soulofsycamore.com/juneteenth/[3] Fort Worth Report. (n.d.). Juneteenth museum receives $1 million in legislative appropriations. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from: https://fortworthreport.org/news/juneteenth-museum-receives-1-million-in-legislative-appropriations/[4] Arts Council of Fort Worth. (n.d.). Gallery of Dreams at National Juneteenth Museum. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from: https://www.artscounciloffortworth.org/shows/819/national-juneteenth-museum-gallery-of-dreams
[1] The recent $10 million state grant for the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth signifies a significant step in the political arena, demonstrating bipartisan collaboration and general-news interest.
[2] As construction plans for the museum progress, it is anticipated that this historical and cultural center will become a valuable asset to the community and a notable attraction for tourists.
