Forest Theater relights iconic tower in South Dallas
A crowd of hundreds gathered Nov. 1 for a ceremony that featured local politicians, gospel stars, and a surprise set by Erykah Badu.
By Aiko Brooks ·
The Forest Theater tower blazed across the South Dallas skyline on Sunday night as hundreds of people gathered to mark the venue's official return.
The Nov. 1 ceremony took place at the intersection of S. Central Expressway and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Organizers installed a checkered dance floor on the street and lined the pavement with food trucks. Bubbles filled the air while guests, many dressed in black, moved to beats by DJ Bowtie. The crowd danced to tracks including Frankie Beverly and Maze's "Before I Let Go" and Cupid's "Flex."
Forest Forward CEO Elizabeth Wattley told the audience that the event was designed to reflect the spirit of the neighborhood. "The future of South Dallas isn't about changing who we are," Wattley said. "It's about investing in who we've always been."
The event hosted by media personality Lady Jade drew local leaders and philanthropists. Attendees included Forest Forward Board Chair Matrice Ellis-Kirk, State Senator Royce West, Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, and Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazaldua. Philanthropists Jon and Linda Halbert were also present.
Musical performances anchored the evening. Big Tuck opened with his "Southside Da Realist" anthem. Da'Raja Superstar and Grammy winner Tamela Mann performed subsequent sets. The night concluded with an unannounced appearance by Erykah Badu, who previously owned the historic theater.
Badu performed in a three-piece corduroy suit, a blonde wig, and circular-rimmed glasses. She sang "Out My Mind, Just in Time" along with hits like "Time's A Wastin," "Echos," "Echos 19 (mix 122)," "On and On," and "Tyrone." Badu told the audience, "What a beautiful, monumental theater that we've built right here together. There's a lot of history in this theater. The musical history here is real deep. [South Dallas] is my home… and I'll never leave. This is where I live."
Ellis-Kirk closed the ceremony by stating, "The lights are coming back on, the doors are opening, and the best of what we can build together is still ahead. Welcome home to the Forest Theater." Senator West added, "Let's keep this as a treasured institution in our community."
