Decades after death of Juanita Craft, the Dallas civil rights leader's legacy still looms large

Few people of a certain era in Dallas, and indeed in many cities across the nation, could say they did not know of Juanita Jewel Shanks Craft.

Her larger-than-life identity was as a Dallas-based national NAACP leader and local civil rights stalwart. From the 1930s through the 1970s, she led many crusades to eradicate segregation and uplift racial equality.

Craft and former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt were friends and worked together on service projects. Historians say that Craft also met four of the nine U.S. presidents who served during her active years. Former President Lyndon Johnson even visited her modest home in South Dallas, as did civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Craft's renovated wood frame home still stands today as a museum, the Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House at 2618 Warren Ave. Other public sites, including a post office, park and recreation center, also have been named in her honor.

Unfortunately, memories are short and time brings change -- often unkindly forcing mortals to forget. But two February opportunities -- Black History Month and Craft's February 9, 1902 birthday -- have allowed history buffs and community leaders to remember her. Several community events have celebrated what would have been her 115th birthday this year.

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Locals who observed Craft in her waning years sometimes sadly saw her in unflattering moments. Much like 83-year-old Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who the news media has captured nodding off during public events, Craft sometimes appeared to doze while at the Dallas City Council horseshoe table. (After her important civilian roles, Craft was elected to the council at age 73 and served two terms from 1975 to 1979.)

But such images belied Craft's true trailblazing self. So this month is a welcome opportunity to highlight her impressive legacy. To learn more about Craft, research her history and visit the Craft Civil Rights House museum. The South Dallas Cultural Centers operates the home, which is available for tours by appointment. Call 214-671-1998.

To commemorate Craft's birthday, the museum hosted a public party with cake, as well as storytelling, crafts and games for youth. This week, the public can attend a civil rights class, including information about Craft, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, both at Fair Park's Hall of State building. Register at jvitela@bigtex.com.

On Feb. 25, a bus tour of notable local black history and public art sites will include a stop at the Craft house. Other stops will include the home of Ray Charles, Freedman Cemetery, Pythian Temple and Dallas Black Dance Theatre. The tour, led by the nonprofit Remembering Black Dallas, will last from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and leave from the African American Museum at Fair Park. Registration is $30 and includes a sack lunch and water. Register by Feb. 22 by calling 469-399-6242. Learn more at www.rbdallas.com.

ABOUT TOWN: Here are other Black History Month events:

Noon Saturday: Drs. Wright Lassiter Jr. and W. Marvin Dulaney will lead a talk called "Crisis in Black Education" at Good Street Baptist Church, 3110 Bonnie View Road. Exhibits will feature various black history makers. The African American Education Archives and History Program is the sponsor. Free admission. Call 214-404-6640.

3-5 p.m. Saturday: The South Dallas Concert Choir will perform a free black history musical at the South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave.

8-10 p.m. Saturday: The cultural center will host blues performers and other cultural arts. Admission to the blues event is $10.

3 p.m. Sunday: The families of local black history legends will be present as their loved ones are honored at Southwest Center Mall, 3662 W. Camp Wisdom Road. Honorees include Joyce Ann Brown, Ernie Banks, Connie Davis, Mattie Nash, Dr. C.B.T. Smith and Dr. Joseph J. Rhodes. The Rev. Lelious Johnson of St. Paul Baptist Church will speak, and his church choir will sing. Call 214-565-2020.

Noon Feb. 22: The city of Dallas will have free exhibits on local black history in the main lobby at City Hall, 1500 Marilla St.

11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.  Feb. 23: A panel including Dallas City Council member Tiffinni Young will discuss challenges women of color face as public and corporate leaders at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 2901 Pennsylvania Ave. Free.