By Marva Sneed
Photos by Marva Sneed
December 7th holds deep meaning for Remembering Black Dallas, Inc. It marks both the passing of its founder, Dr. George Elvin Keaton Jr., in 2022 and the celebration of the organization’s 10th Anniversary, held at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. The program featured a musical prelude by Mr. Larry Willis, greetings from Vice President Beverly Davis, and a video highlighting the organization’s impact.
Dr. Keaton’s passion for history began with his own family genealogy, inspired by his grandmother, Leona Foreman Turner. She shared stories of the Turner family and her father-in-law, Taylor Turner—a former slave who owned 90 acres in North Dallas—instilling in him a lifelong dedication to preserving Black history.
In 2015, Dr. Keaton founded Remembering Black Dallas to honor and promote African American history and culture in Dallas and surrounding communities. The organization continues his legacy through historical markers, partnerships, heritage tours, scholarship fundraising, and educational programs.
The program concluded with a passionate message from President Dr. Deborah Isaac Hopes, who encouraged guests to join Remembering Black Dallas in preserving the African American life, history, artifacts, and culture of Dallas and its surrounding communities. She invited attendees to support the organization’s work, which includes genealogical research, educational presentations, heritage tours, and more.
