Forest Theater tower lights up in South Dallas reopening ceremony

Residents of South Dallas gathered in front of the Forest Theater tower on Sunday night as the structure illuminated the sky. The lighting ceremony marked the official grand return of the historic venue. The event took place at the intersection of S. Central Expressway and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, where a checkered dance floor covered the street. Food trucks lined the pavement while bubbles filled the air around the crowd.

The invitational affair drew guests dressed in black to a street filled with music. DJ Bowtie played classics by Frankie Beverly and Maze and the band Cupid. Dallas media personality Lady Jade hosted the event. Attendees included Forest Forward Board Chair Matrice Ellis-Kirk, State Senator Royce West, Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, and City Council Member Adam Bazaldua. Philanthropists Jon and Linda Halbert and Forest Forward CEO Elizabeth Wattley were also present.

Wattley, an Oak Cliff native with family ties to the area, told the crowd that the reopening reflects the local culture. She stated, “The future of South Dallas isn’t about changing who we are. It’s about investing in who we’ve always been.”

Musical performances continued throughout the night. Big Tuck performed his song “Southside Da Realist.” Da’Raja Superstar and Grammy award-winning gospel artist Tamela Mann also held sets on the stage. The night concluded with a surprise performance by Erykah Badu, who previously owned the theater.

Badu appeared on stage wearing a three-piece corduroy suit and circular-rimmed glasses. She sang “Out My Mind, Just in Time,” “Time’s A Wastin,” “Echos,” “Echos 19 (mix 122),” “On and On,” and “Tyrone.” After the set, Badu addressed the audience about the venue's history. She said, “What a beautiful, monumental theater that we’ve built right here together. There’s a lot of history in this theater. The musical history here is real deep. [South Dallas] is my home… and I’ll never leave. This is where I live.”

Ellis-Kirk closed the evening with remarks about the theater's future. She said, “The lights are coming back on, the doors are opening, and the best of what we can build together is still ahead. Welcome home to the Forest Theater.” Senator West added, “Let’s keep this as a treasured institution in our community.”