The Flats, Garland’s original free-standing African American community, no longer exists in a tangible sense. Its buildings are gone, and few of its residents remain. Still, it played a key role in Garland’s development in the first half of the 20th century before it was bulldozed off the map in the 1960s.
Now, Garland wants to give The Flats a new symbol for remembrance. On June 20, the city will host a dedication ceremony for “The Flats – A Legacy Installation,” featuring a permanent 36-foot mosaic commissioned for the project on the side of the Granville Arts Center. The dedication ceremony is hosted by The Atrium (300 N. Fifth St., Garland) at 4:30 p.m. Additionally, a Texas Historical Commission marker has been placed at the original site of The Flats, along with five interpretive panels providing insights into the community’s history.
Amy Rosenthal, Garland’s cultural arts director, says the project has been in the works for years and is already generating interest…