Pastor Karen Belknap leads Dallas County Commissioners Court invocation

The Dallas County Commissioners Court convened on June 17, 2025, with Commissioner John Wiley Price presiding. The session began with an invocation led by Pastor Karen Belknap, a notable figure in the community known for her extensive contributions to education and social services.

Pastor Belknap, who has a rich educational background including a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a master’s in leadership from Amberton University, is an ordained minister and a certified principal in Texas. She co-founded the A Plus Charter Schools in Southeast Dallas, which now operates six schools, alongside her late husband, Donald Belknap.

In addition to her work in education, Pastor Belknap established the Inspired Vision Compassion Center, an organization dedicated to combating poverty in Southeast Dallas. The center provides essential services such as food, household supplies, medical care, and job training, assisting approximately 2,000 families each weekday. Notably, the center also houses the Lifesavers Foundation, which operates a free children's clinic.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment of local leaders to address community needs through education and social support initiatives. Further discussions during the session are expected to focus on enhancing these services and addressing other pressing issues within Dallas County.