DALLAS — Red, black and yellow colors fill the crosswalk at Martin Luther King Jr. and South Malcolm X boulevards, signaling equality with the words "All Black Lives Matter." Dallas City Council last month unanimously approved the move, and the public unveiling and dedication of the crosswalk mural happened just in time for the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

 

The first of several All Black Lives Matter crosswalks were unveiled today at 2800 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. It will be one of six crosswalks at various intersections in the MLK/Fair Park area.

Posted by Visit Dallas on Monday, January 17, 2022

In partnership with Abounding Prosperity, Inc., an organization founded to address social and health disparities taking a toll on Black men and their families in Dallas County, private funding for the project was secured over the course of the past several years. What started in June 2020 came to life less than two years later. State and local leaders attended the event to support change.

 

With our right to vote under attack, we need to come together to bring new life to Dr. King’s mission. I’m ecstatic to...

Posted by State Representative Jasmine Crockett on Sunday, January 16, 2022

Community members and residents showed up in droves as well to celebrate the event. 

"All Black Lives Matter, and that's what these crosswalks symbolize," said Ahmad Goree, Dallas resident. "To those that live and work here and to those that decide to visit our great city, the lives of people like Botham Jean, Malaysia Booker among several others alike...will forever be etched in Dallas' history, lives that were lost because someone didn't think their lives mattered. But, it's people that are like you who are here today who will make it known that we will not stand for that any longer." 

 

Reveal of Black Lives Matter crosswalks in South Dallas as part of Dr. MLK, Jr. Day observances.

Posted by State Senator Royce West on Monday, January 17, 2022

The selection of the colors, according to Abounding Prosperity, was intentional. Red represents the blood of life, while black symbolizes progressiveness and strength. Lastly, yellow stands for optimism and growth.

Despite receiving opposition to the project, Abounding Prosperity CEO Kirk Myers thanked those who supported what he described as a “monumental” feat for the South Dallas community.

“This is not just a moment, it is a sign of a movement of unity,” the nonprofit organization expressed on Facebook. “Abounding Prosperity is proud to be engaged in our community in a way that bridges gaps and the common ground of fighting for equity of systems that impact ALL Black lives.”

The five other “All Black Lives Matter” mural crosswalks will be located at these intersections:

  • Al Lipscomb Way and South Ervay Street
  • Al Lipscomb Way and South Harwood Street
  • Al Lipscomb Way and South Malcolm X Boulevard
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Colonial Avenue
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South Malcolm X Boulevard