Every now and then, I step outside the cells of my Google Docs spreadsheets and export myself into the action behind the numbers. Two years ago on MLK Day, I embarked on a one-woman Fort Worth Bike Sharing journey that made me feel as if I was part of Dr. King’s trip Fort Worth in October 1959. I biked over 14 miles exploring sites that his footsteps graced. My sources of reference for the trip were Calvin Littlejohn: Portrait of a Community in Black and White and StarTelegram articles about this historic day.
Dr. King's visit would be his first and only Fort Worth trip during which his “A Great Time to be Alive” speech was made at Majestic Theatre where the Fort Worth Convention Center now stands. Dr. King was just 30 years old at the time, touring the country to promote equality.
After flying into Love Field, Dr. King was joined by photographer, Calvin Littlejohn and former Pullman Porter, James Baker. They stopped at Baker Funeral Home on Rosedale to map out his day in private. Dr. King was housed at the home of Dr. Vada Phillips Felder, local educator and author. He then had a few living room meetings on the South and West sides of Fort Worth and eventually presented his big speech to 400 people at Majestic Theatre.
If you drive or bike Dr. King’s journey, be sure to:
- Visit Baker Funeral Home which was a safe place for Dr. MLK after leaving Love Field. A historical marker can also be found there.
- Visit the home of Fort Worth educator, Dr. Vada Phillips Felder on Stewart Street. Felder and Dr. King met at a conference in Nashville, and she housed him during his Fort Worth stay.
- Stop by Mount Gilead Baptist Church where Rev. CC Harper, friend of King’s father, pastored. Harper introduced Dr. King at Majestic Theatre.
- See the Majestic Theatre historical marker at 1101 Commerce where the theatre once stood.
- View Dr. King’s “A Great Time to be Alive” marker , just steps away from JFK plaza in General Worth Square.
- Stop and wave at Fort Worth’s community in the MLK Day parade in Downtown Fort Worth.
- Ride to public art displays like Remnants of 1965 and Freedom Train.
- Eat BBQ with friends at the award-winning Smoke-a-holics in the Historic Southside. It is said that Dr. King shared BBQ with his friends during his stay here.
- Explore more Black history at The Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society and the Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum.
- Read more about Fort Worth's Black history.
And please, share this journey with a friend on Dr. King’s day!
