Fort Worth Black History Tour

Five places to explore our rich African American history

By Shilo Urban

African Americans have been a part of Fort Worth since its beginning as a frontier settlement overlooking the Trinity River. From business leaders and iconic activists to legendary musicians, their stories echo across the landscape — especially at these historic sites:

Terrell Heights

Located in the Historic Southside district, Terrell Heights was the city’s first middle-class Black neighborhood. It was also the childhood home of Opal Lee, who moved to a house on the 900 block of East Annie Street (between Kentucky and New York avenues) in 1939. When she was 12 years old, 500 white rioters burned down her home. It was June 19 — a day that would become the national holiday Juneteenth in 2021, thanks to decades of her tireless efforts. Terrell Heights is also home to Evans Avenue Plaza, an inviting gathering place with dozens of plaques that honor local African Americans, from doctors and educators to World War II veterans.

I.M. TERRELL ACADEMY

Established in 1882, I.M. Terrell was the first school for African Americans in the city. The high school moved to its current location in 1938 and soon became known for producing boundary-breaking jazz and R&B artists. Led by the beloved instructor G.A. Baxter, students from I.M. Terrell included Ornette Coleman (a principal founder of the free jazz movement) along with King Curtis, Dewey Redman, Charles Moffett, John Carter and many other musical luminaries. Today, the historic school has relaunched itself as I.M. Terrell Academy, a magnet school offering VPA (Visual & Performing Arts) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) instruction under the same roof. 1441 I.M. Terrell Circle.

Mount Gilead Baptist Church

In 1875, 12 formerly enslaved people constructed a small building where they could worship in an area called Baptist Hill (near today’s Crump and 15th streets). The congregation grew and grew, drawn by messages of progress and self-determination from the pulpit. Much expanded and remodeled over the years, the graceful neoclassical landmark is now the oldest continuously operating African American Baptist church in Fort Worth. 600 Grove St.

Oakwood Cemetery

Fort Worth’s second-oldest cemetery (after Pioneers Rest) was established in 1879 with three separate areas for Blacks, whites and Catholics. The designated burial place for African Americans was called Old Trinity and can be found on the northern edge of Oakwood. Look for the 38-foot-tall monument that belongs to William McDonald, Texas’ first Black millionaire, which stands on a hill looking down at the former headquarters of the local KKK chapter. 701 Grand Ave.

Great Wall Of African American History

Although Fort Worth’s Central Station dates from just 2002, it stands on the former site of a thriving African American commercial district. A series of modern murals on the eastern wall commemorate the Black businesses and warehouses that existed here from 1865 to 1940. Five colorful panels illustrate the neighborhood’s rich history, with nods to Black entrepreneurs like John Pratt, a blacksmith who owned the first African American business in the city. 1001 Jones St.