Fort Worth council backs $15 million pledge for National Juneteenth Museum, moves community services to Hazel Harvey Peace Center

The Fort Worth City Council voted Tuesday to approve a resolution supporting the development of a National Juneteenth Museum and to affirm a $15,000,000 city commitment toward the project.

The resolution, introduced by Council Member Chris Nettles, passed after an amendment to extend a referenced date in section 5 to Oct. 31, 2027. Mayor Pro Tem Gina Bivens seconded the motion; the council voted to adopt the resolution.

The measure directs city support for the museum effort and confirms that services now at the Southside Community Center will be relocated to the Hazel Harvey Peace Center to preserve the center’s programs and history. “We did that by being able to secure Hazel Harvey Peace,” Council Member Chris Nettles said, urging that the Southside Community Center’s programs — including AARP and after-school activities — be preserved in the new location.

Nut graf: Council members and public speakers framed the resolution as both a cultural investment and a step to protect neighborhood services. Supporters said the museum would preserve Fort Worth’s Black history and create educational and tourism opportunities, while city staff and council described steps to maintain community services during construction.

Supporters at the meeting praised Dr. Opal Lee, who has been publicly identified as an early advocate for a Juneteenth museum. Council members and community representatives emphasized the project’s cultural value and potential economic benefits. “It is going to be a beacon of light,” Nettles said of the museum.

Council remarks and staff summaries stated the city’s intent that relocating Southside Community Center programs to Hazel Harvey Peace would keep neighborhood services intact. Staff and council members said they conducted a walk-through with neighborhood representatives and the Hazel Harvey Peace team to identify spaces suitable for programs that currently operate at Southside.

Public comment recorded both support and questions about site selection, long-term sustainment and local business access to leasing at the museum. Resident Adrian Smith, speaking during public comment, expressed concern about transparency and oversight for other city-funded rehabilitation projects and urged clear accountability for promised deliverables.

Ending: Council members urged continued fundraising and outside partnerships. Council and museum organizers said the adopted resolution can be used to leverage additional private and state funding as they continue planning and outreach.