Message from Mayor cont. from page 4

lic Safety Telecommunicators Week, thank you to all police and fire dispatchers in Dallas. You are the unseen heroes of this city!

Progress

On Thursday, Housing Forward reported at its 2023 State of Homelessness Address that the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Dallas and Collin Counties is at its lowest point in five years. There is still a lot of work to be done, but this news is encouraging.

Know that this administration is committed to addressing this complex challenge. In February, I formed the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness Organizations, Policies, and Encampments, or HOPE. The task force is developing concrete solutions to reduce homelessness and encourage healthier and safer communities in Dallas. Task force members have until June 15 to produce a report with their recommendations.

The rebirth of a historic venue

In case you haven’t already, visit the Longhorn Ballroom soon. The historic live music venue officially reopened last month with a performance by Asleep at the Wheel.

From Page 1

first moments of freedom.

Later, she met two other men, Talib Charriez and Chris Lynch, who became the documentary's focus, along with her uncle as they shared their stories of transformation through education.

According to Whitney, all three started their education through Rutger University’s New Jersey Scholarship and Transformative Education in Prisons Consortium (NJ-STEP), a program that is specifically for individuals who were incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals.

On Saturday, April 29, Authentic Voices Global will be hosting a fundraiser for the documentary. Whitney said the event is purposefully held in April as it is Second Chance Month.

“Second Chance month is an opportunity for us to give space for individuals who've experienced incarceration,” she said. “So focusing on those who are reentering society and the opportunities that they're being given or the barriers that are up and examining those barriers – where can we be more compassionate as a society.”

Whitney said she is looking to raise $100,000 to help complete the documentary, including filming and post-production.

While raising funds is the primary goal of the event, Whitney said she also hopes to make people come in and ask themselves this one question – “how do my perspectives and the stories I create for others, keep them imprisoned or keep them from freedom?”

The fundraising event will be at Common Desk, Addison (14555 Dallas Pkwy Ste 100) from 6 to 8.30 p.m. Guitarist K Cooks, Vocalist Asha Childs and Black Wall Street Artist Eddye K will be present at the event.

This administration contributed nearly $2 billion in bond funding to support the restoration of this crown jewel of the Texas live music scene. Smart investments in restoration projects like this and other major new developments like the Goldman Sachs Regional Hub and University Hills are bringing jobs, entertainment, and new life to our city.

Annual traditions

It was an honor to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with good Muslim friends at the annual “Iftar with the Mayor of Dallas.” This event was particularly special because it was the renewal of a Dallas tradition — one that, unfortunately, was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you to Amir Rupani and the other hosts! First, for your influential work in our city. And second, for bringing so many distinguished leaders under one roof to break bread together. Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrate!

Dallas Arts Month is another annual tradition worthy of recognition. It first launched in 2013 as Dallas Arts Week, and like most things in Dallas, it has grown bigger and better each year since. Dallas Arts Month builds awareness of Dallas artists and organizations and fosters creative activity. This city understands the value of a healthy creative economy.

Be sure to check out “Round the Bend” beginning on April 19! This huge banner of abstract geometric forms will be displayed on Klyde Warren Park’s grand lawn through the end of the month. Access a full calendar of events and programming offered by art and cultural institutions in April here. Enjoy!

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Until next time...