DALLAS — Everything you love about the State Fair of Texas, from the food, the rides, and the car shows, is tied to the displacement of many African-American families in the 1960s. Now, city leaders are trying to right a wrong with new plans for the attraction.

Back in the ‘60s developers kicked dozens of Black families away from South Dallas so they could build a parking lot. It’s a moment of removal that’s created built-up tension that people still talk about today.

There are no pauses in life, especially for Brian Luallen. As the executive director for Fair Park First, there are deadlines for projects and plans he constantly meets to make sure Fair Park runs smoothly so families can enjoy some of the food and food that’s offered throughout the year.

“We see this park as sort of an extension of that southern tradition of the front porch,” said Luallen, referring to the new vision for the park. 

Time moves forward for all of us, but the feelings of hurt and neglect from being displaced have stayed with this South Dallas community.

“This is something that’s been talked about in the neighborhoods, around the city for 40 years almost,” added Luallen.

Putting a park in Fair Park is how board members and developers want to give this space back to the community that was once dismantled by eminent domain. A $58 million price tag for green space has been approved unanimously by the city council.

"When peeling back the layers of the history of the city that I call home, there are so many things that I feel ashamed of. I realize that as a leader we have an opportunity to either to feel ashamed or to try and make it better,” said council member Adam Bazaldua.

The council member says it wasn’t hard for the council to reach that decision. The community park is expected to be a spot for outdoor yoga, splash pads, movies in the park, on top of the traditional yearly events Fair Park is known for.

“I think it would be a good idea. Take away that fence,” said Helen Matthews, who lives in the neighborhood.

The project is supported by Matthews who also works down the street over at Thrifty’s Thrift Store, which is another community staple. She believes the attraction for the new green space could bring more business for her.

“I think we will, because once everyone comes from the fair, they come over here and buy some clothes or buy anything. We have a lot of stuff over here,” she added.

“There’s no better feeling of being an elected official than to see the community feel that equity is being given to them and this belongs to them,” added Bazaldua.

The plan aims to rebuild and revive a community that was lost, so it has every chance to thrive in the future.