Architects of Dallas Wards

Legacies History Conference at Dallas Hall of State concluded with the architects of 14-1 City Council configuration. Diane Ragsdale recalled thousands who protested Queen Elizabeth and Mayor Strauss arriving for dinner. Marvin Crenshaw, a plaintiff that sued the City for more minority representatives, had the most insightful commentary, using Mayor Starke Taylor as an example of why it was essential to keep City elections in May. He said Mayor Taylor was a Republican and had different positions, but they could come to an agreement on issues as he was not beholden to the Republican Party. National politics did not prevent accomplishments in Dallas. The panel’s overriding theme of 14-1 was not about minority participation. It was about electing low income representatives. Chris Luna quoted Al Lipscomb, “Might be my color but is not my kind,” a sentiment reiterated by rest of panel. When it was pointed out that minorities were elected in majority white at-large districts and never in majority white single-member districts, the panel said that didn’t matter. Minorities elected in at-large districts were supported by rich white people. Afterwards I had a nice conversation with Diane Ragsdale, telling her I agreed that protests can be effective and more political participation is better. I thanked her that she and City Councilperson Al Lipscomb were always available to meet with me and others even though not in their district. One downside of 14-1is that the City Council seldom meets with anyone outside of their district or who does not publicly support them. This panel provided sentimental memories of a messy political time in Dallas that also included more participation with the City Council and Dallas residents.
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