Not Restoring a Building. Returning a Soul. | Saving the Forest Theater

For years, the Forest Theater stood empty. A historic landmark.

A cultural icon. A reminder of what once was.

Many people accepted that story. Elizabeth Wattley did not.

In this Season II premiere of Making Black History Today, the President and CEO of Forest Forward joins us to discuss the effort to bring one of South Dallas' most important landmarks back to life and why the work is about much more than a building. It's about history.

It's about community. It's about who gets remembered and who gets left behind.

From the future of the Forest Theater to the future of South Dallas, Elizabeth shares the vision, challenges, and leadership lessons behind one of the city's most significant revitalization efforts. If you've ever wondered what it takes to preserve history while creating opportunity for the next generation, this conversation is for you.

Topics include community development, historic preservation, leadership, economic opportunity, South Dallas, the Forest Theater, and the power of investing in people. Follow Making Black History Today for conversations with everyday people making an extraordinary impact. 🎙️ ABOUT MAKING BLACK HISTORY TODAY Making Black History Today is a digital archive documenting the Black leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, historians and changemakers shaping Dallas today.

Hosted by Liz and Porter , new episodes premiere every other Thursday at 5:00 a.m. Follow Making Black History Today so you never miss a new conversation. 🌐 📸 Instagram: @MakingBlackHistoryToday 🎵 TikTok: @MakingBlackHistoryToday ▶️ YouTube: @MakingBlackHistoryToday