The Fort Worth City Council has stepped up with a sizable donation, earmarking $232,377 toward the establishment of the Mr. Fred Rouse Memorial. This memorial comes as a tribute to Fred Rouse, the only known Black man lynched in the city, with his murder at the hands of a white mob in 1921 casting a long shadow on local history, according to a report from the City of Fort Worth.
Set to sit at 1000 N.E. 12th St., this location is not just any plot of land; it’s a place that will soon pulsate with the heartbeat of history and serve as a mirror for the community to look at its past, all while seeking a reconciled future. “This is an important partnership with the Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice and the City of Fort Worth to acknowledge and reflect on our painful history,” District 9 Councilmember Elizabeth Beck said, per the City of Fort Worth. “This is vital to creating a healthy and inclusionary place to call home.”
In an impressive show of support, local organizations have pledged around 85 percent of the required funds, with notable contributors including the Rainwater Foundation, the Episcopal Diocese, and the Mellon Foundation; these heavyweights stepping up to the plate bring the memorial that much closer to fruition. The money from the city slotted to complete the funding puzzle comes courtesy of its Community Partnerships Program, recognizing projects with significant community impact, matching funds, and a maintenance game plan…