FORT WORTH, Texas — Aiming to expedite construction, National Juneteenth Museum leadership has proposed shifting the 50,000-square-foot venue about one block east of the property where they initially planned to build.
Museum directors hoped to open the facility on the property where Fort Worth civil rights icon Opal Lee began showcasing her collection of Juneteenth artifacts and memorabilia in 2005. That one-story home, which Lee owned through her trust, burned in 2023.
The group has been fundraising for the project for years, securing money from the state and the city of Fort Worth for construction. This year, however, it became clear the property owner next door did not want to sell his land to make room for the museum.
"At 97 years old, going on 98, I'm not promised a great big time around here," Lee told WFAA Tuesday. "So I want to see it done during my lifetime."
Lee's granddaughter, Dione Sims, told WFAA the property acquisition process has been too time-consuming. She shares in Lee's sense of urgency.
"Most museums are done when they're done. You fundraise, you construct, and you open," said Sims, also a National Juneteenth Museum legacy board member. "There is a ticking of a biological clock - not to have a baby - but to see a dream birthed."
To hurry along the groundbreaking, museum leaders have proposed tearing down the aging Southside Community Center and building the new facility there. This week, the Historic Southside Neighborhood Association threw its support behind the idea.
"We're grateful for the community's formal expression of support, and look forward to our continued participation in the transcendent transformation of one of the city's most storied communities," National Juneteenth Museum executive director Jarred Howard said in a statement to WFAA.
The city of Fort Worth would not Tuesday confirm whether the community center is for sale, but a spokesperson said staff is "working with Juneteenth Museum representatives, the Councilmember representing the district, and stakeholders to explore various options."
"The City actively supports the development of the National Juneteenth Museum, recognizing its significance as a future, national cultural and historical landmark," the city's statement continued.
Though there is no formal agreement, museum leaders have already posted renderings of the venue in its new location on their website.
Sims said she believes the museum could open in 2026.
"Everything in God's timing," she said.
The museum will feature an exhibit gallery, a speakers' theater, a food hall, and a business incubator. Additional space could host community events, and Sims said the neighborhood would be welcome to use the building for the events the community center currently hosts.
City leaders had earmarked more than $370,000 for community center renovations, but recently diverted that money toward a veterans home repair program.
"Nothing is being taken away from the site," Sims said. "We're actually giving more."
Lee's trust still owns the property where leaders initially planned construction. That site would become a part of the museum's campus, Sims said, potentially hosting affordable housing or retail space.
Groundbreaking would need to happen soon to meet the museum's aspirations to open in 2026, the year Lee will turn 100-years-old.
Ideally, the building could open on Lee's birthday. Her family noted the facility would probably not open on Juneteenth since the civil rights icon plans to again "Walk to D.C." on that day.
"Juneteenth means freedom for everybody - not just Black folks," she said. "The sooner we can get that (message) over to everybody - this project is certainly going to help."
People interested in learning more about the National Juneteenth Museum can visit www.nationaljuneteenthmuseum.org