Fort Worth boasts a vibrant arts community, complete with art educators Like Lauren Cross, PhD, who desire to enrich the lives of residents and visitors with its creativity and diverse collections.
Home of the renowned Cultural District that has several world-class museums, guests can expect to see another beam of light, illuminating from the Historic Southside in the near future. Yes, literally, visitors will see a shining star, welcoming them into North Texas. That star will radiate from the National Juneteenth Museum.
So, who will help tell the story of that radiating star? Meet Dr. Lauren Cross, Executive Strategist for the National Juneteenth Museum.
Dr. Cross is working to curate the vision for the National Juneteenth Museum, which will include permanent collections, exhibitions, and programming. When future visitors step inside the museum, they can expect to see works envisioned and powered with the guidance of Cross.
Why Fort Worth?
“Fort Worth is an amazing city that has so much to offer future visitors. Fort Worth’s Juneteenth history, including the legendary Dr. Opal Lee and her influence on the history of Juneteenth, is an important story that begins in Fort Worth, where she has served the community for decades.”
What can visitors expect at the National Juneteenth Museum?
“Future visitors can expect to see permanent exhibitions that highlight stories and artifacts about emancipation history from the enslavement period to the present, and immersive installations that unpack Juneteenth history, how the holiday has been observed and celebrated across the United States, and the current fight for liberation today.”
What are your proudest accomplishments as a practitioner in our Arts & Culture community?
“Founding my non-profit arts organization, WoCA Projects, which had a space on Race Street from 2013-2015. I also enjoyed working with the Amon Carter Museum of American Art as one of their inaugural Carter Community artists, and later co-curating the exhibition Black Every Day with Kristen Gaylord.”
Favorite places to dine and shop?
“I have always loved Brewed and the restaurants and shops in Near Southside and South Main Village. I also really like the Shops at Clearfork.”
Dr. Cross’ Mount Rushmore list of things to do with visitors:
And we can’t leave out her favorite Fort Worth neighborhoods!
The Near Southside and Summer Creek/Hulen Heights.
A final note on Dr. Lauren Cross’ love for Fort Worth
“I love the people of Fort Worth. It’s where I have family, and have built a professional community for several years. I love the museums and the cultural institutions that make the community so special.”
To stay up-to-date with developments on the National Juneteenth Museum, visit their website at nationaljuneteenthmuseum.org.
