Throughout history, large-scale rallies and protests have repeatedly taken place in the Texas city of Dallas. These events were a form of expression of the voice of the city’s population and a driving force on the path to necessary changes. Mass actions reminded of the unity and strength of the townspeople, who expressed their dissatisfaction and tried to protect their rights. Read more on dallas-yes.
Why have Dallas residents defended their rights for generations?
Americans have defended their rights for generations for many reasons. Among them are historical, cultural and political prerequisites. The United States of America emerged as a country that managed to gain independence from British rule through revolution. Therefore, the idea of freedom and the right to protest has been embedded among the population for a long time. Equal rights are also guaranteed at the legislative level of the country.
In addition, millions of immigrants came to the country in search of freedom. They are determined to fight for their interests, as their ancestors once chose the path of independence. Protests by the black population are gaining particular scale. For decades, African Americans have suffered due to racial discrimination, which was entrenched in both legal and social structures.
Although society has nevertheless achieved significant progress over many years of struggle, sometimes, situations still arise when residents of large and small American cities are forced to unite and go to the streets to achieve a common goal.
Selma march
On March 14, 1965, one of the largest marches in the entire history of the city was held in Dallas. The event was only part of the broader civil rights movement in the United States of America that took place in those years.
The march in Dallas was a response to the bloody repression that happened on March 7, 1965 in Alabama during the March from Selma to Montgomery. That day, peaceful demonstrators in the city of Selma were advocating for the rights of the black population. They were brutally dispersed by law enforcement agencies. The police used tear gas and clubs to achieve their goal. These events caused a wave of indignation among Americans. Therefore, within a few days, solidarity actions began to be held in many cities of the United States. Dallas was no exception.
The march in support of Selma was held by the Dallasites to express their solidarity with other activists. Representatives of both minority and religious groups, as well as ordinary Americans, took part in the event. Together, they walked through the central streets of the city, holding placards in their hands.
As a result, these events influenced the government of the country. In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was adopted, which completely prohibited discrimination in electoral processes.
Protest after the killing of George Floyd
At the end of May 2020, police brutality prompted residents of Dallas to protest. This time, a series of riots began after the high-profile murder of 46-year-old African-American George Floyd, which occurred on May 26 in Minneapolis. During the arrest of the black man, police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his chest for a long time, causing him to suffocate. These events had large-scale social consequences.
Almost a thousand Dallas residents gathered in front of the police department on the morning of May 29. Activists made speeches and divided into two groups. The first group went to City Hall and the second to the interstate. To slow down law enforcement officers who were trying to stop the protesters, the demonstrators broke windows, robbed establishments and committed other crimes. The police used tear gas against them. They did not disdain to shoot rubber bullets. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson initially supported the protesters, as he was also African-American. However, he advocated peaceful actions. Therefore, when the mayor learned about the vandalism and numerous robberies, he was forced to side with the law enforcement officers.
In total, during the protest over the murder of George Floyd, the Dallas Police Department charged more than 600 citizens with crimes. Later, most of the cases were closed. Some activists did not break the law and were well-known city opinion leaders.
Women’s March and March for Life
On January 20, 2018, a Women’s Match was held in Dallas. However, some activists associated their actions not with the traditional march dedicated to feminism but with the 45th anniversary of the high-profile Jane Roe case.
In 1969, Jane Roe became pregnant with her third child and wanted an abortion. It was illegal in Texas, so she was denied. The woman devoted several years of her life to finding good lawyers who would be willing to prove that she was right. The court’s decision on her case was one of the most controversial in the United States. As a result, Jane Roe won the trial. Although most Americans were happy about the legalization of abortion, some continued to oppose it.
On January 20, the townspeople divided into two groups. The first, which participated in the Women’s March, celebrated the achievements of women. This group called for equality, justice and awareness of issues through its actions. The activists’ march began near St. Paul United Methodist Church. The second group, known as March for Life, advocated for the rights of unborn children, as well as supported those families who lost their children. Their march continued from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Earle Cabell Federal Courthouse.
In total, several thousand Dallas residents participated in the Women’s March and the March for Life.
Protest related to the Dallas Black Dance Theatre
The protest related to the Dallas Black Dance Theatre erupted due to the scandalous dismissal of 10 dancers. At first, the matter was local, as it concerned only a certain team of theater workers. However, it quickly gained momentum and became a real political conflict.
In May 2024, a team of 10 dancers working at the Dallas Black Dance Theatre decided to form a union. However, the theater’s management reacted in a completely unexpected way – by firing them. According to the director of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, the reason for the dismissal of the workers was that they violated the contract with one of the provocative publications on the theater’s official page. The community regarded these actions as an attempt to stop their union efforts. Since Dallas residents are generally very democratic, they are always ready to fight for their rights.
The National Labor Relations Board of the United States of America filed an official complaint against the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. The theater was accused of intimidating employees, as well as violating labor laws. The city council did not remain aloof. It approved a decision to temporarily suspend funding for the theater. Thus, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre risks not receiving another payment of $248,000.
Ordinary citizens also showed interest in the conflict. They staged a protest near the theater to draw attention to working conditions and the problem of low wages.