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From the Desk of
Councilman Maxie Johnson
Celebrating Black History, Love, and Civic Participation
As we move through February, we’re reminded of the tremendous contributions Black Americans have made throughout our nation’s history. While Black History Month shines a spotlight on these achievements, let us remember: every month is Black History Month. The resilience, creativity, courage, and leadership of Black communities enrich our city and our country year-round.
February also brings Valentine’s Day, a time to celebrate love in all its forms. As we honor romantic partnerships, let’s also extend special appreciation to those who care for our families, neighbors, and community members. Whether it’s a spouse, parent, grandparent, caregiver, friend, or mentor, take a moment to show your gratitude and love to those who support and uplift you daily.
📢 Civic Reminder: Your Vote, Your Voice
As we celebrate in February, we also approach an important moment in our civic life, the 2026 Primary Elections. Early voting in Texas for the March 3, 2026, Primary Election runs from Tuesday, February 17 through Friday, February 27, 2026.
The primary election itself will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. If you are a registered voter, this is your opportunity to help choose the candidates who will represent our community in the November general election. Your vote truly is your voice.
Let’s honor our history, celebrate our loved ones, and actively participate in shaping our future. I encourage all registered voters in District 4 to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
With gratitude and purpose,
Councilman Maxie Johnson
Building the Community with the Community
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Rooted in Resilience: The Story of 10th Street & The Bottoms
In the heart of Oak Cliff lies a sacred stretch of land that tells one of Dallas’ most powerful stories of freedom, resilience, and self-determination. Known as 10th Street and The Bottoms, the Tenth Street Historic District stands as one of the most intact Freedmen’s Towns in the United States a living testament to what formerly enslaved Black families built for themselves after emancipation.
Born From Freedom
The roots of the 10th Street community trace back to 1865, just after the Civil War. Newly freed men and women, many from the nearby William Brown Miller plantation settled near the historic Oak Cliff Cemetery, which itself dates to 1846. With little more than faith, skill, and determination, they laid the foundation for a community grounded in autonomy and collective care.
By 1890, the neighborhood was officially platted and thriving as a self-sufficient Black enclave during an era of segregation. Families built shotgun-style homes, opened small businesses, and established institutions that anchored daily life. Among the most enduring landmarks is Elizabeth Chapel, founded in 1889, which continues to symbolize spiritual strength and community leadership.
A National Treasure
Historians and preservationists recognize the Tenth Street Historic District as a rare and invaluable window into post-Emancipation Black urban life. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has identified it as one of the most intact Freedmen’s Towns in the nation, an extraordinary distinction that underscores its cultural and historical significance.
This neighborhood also nurtured greatness. Legendary blues guitarist T-Bone Walker once called this area home, as did Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson, proof that even in the face of systemic barriers, Black excellence flourished here.
Endangered, But Not Forgotten
Like many historic Black communities, 10th Street faced devastating challenges. The construction of Interstate 35E in the 1950s physically cut the neighborhood in two, accelerating disinvestment and decline. Over time, historic homes fell into disrepair or were demolished, leading to the district’s designation in 2019 as one of the nation’s most endangered historic places.
Yet hope remains alive.
Community-led efforts supported by organizations like Remembering Black Dallas and research initiatives such as SMU Engaged Dallas are working to preserve this legacy. Through oral histories, walking tours, archival research, and advocacy for the remaining homes, residents and partners are fighting to ensure that the story of 10th Street is not erased, but honored and protected.
Why This Matters to District 4
10th Street and The Bottoms are more than historic sites, they are reminders of what community looks like when people come together with purpose. They reflect the same values that continue to guide District 4 today: resilience, faith, culture, and the belief that our neighborhoods deserve investment, respect, and preservation.
As we look to the future, honoring 10th Street means committing to equitable development that remembers where we’ve been, protects what remains, and ensures that history lives on not just in books, but in the streets, homes, and voices of the people.
In District 4, we don’t just build the community, we honor it, protect it, and pass it on.
Celebrating Love, Leadership & Service in
District 4
Pastor Michael Mosby and Dr. Tonya Solis-Mosby
This February, as we celebrate love and community, Council Member Maxie Johnson is proud to spotlight a remarkable District 4 couple whose commitment to both family and service continue to uplift our neighborhoods, Pastor Michael Mosby and Dr. Tonya Solis-Mosby
Married for 20 years, Pastor Mike and Dr. Tonya Solis-Mosby exemplify what it means to build a life rooted in faith, dedication, and community. Together, they are the proud parents of four children and grandparents to seven grandchildren, creating a legacy grounded in love and leadership.
The Solis family calls the Glendale Heights community home, where Dr. Tonya Solis currently serves as President of the Glendale Heights Neighborhood Association. A retired educator with 25 years of service in public education, Dr. Solis has spent her career advocating for students, families, and strong neighborhood engagement; values she continues to champion through her community leadership.
Pastor Michael Solis has faithfully served as the pastor of Words of Faith Missionary Baptist Church, providing spiritual guidance, mentorship, and support to countless families across District 4. His ministry reflects a deep commitment to service, compassion, and strengthening the bonds that hold our community together.
Council Member Johnson proudly honors Pastor Michael Solis and Dr. Tonya Solis for their 20 years of marriage, their unwavering faith, and their continued dedication to the District 4 community. Their story is a powerful reminder that strong families help build strong neighborhoods and District 4 is better because of leaders like the Solis family.
Thank you for showing us what love, service, and commitment look like in action.
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Small Business of the Month
Phatt's Cajun
Now Open in D4: Phatt’s Cajun Seafood Brings the Flavor to Glendale Shopping Center!
District 4 has a new spot officially open and it’s bringing big Cajun flavor with it! Phatt’s Cajun Seafood & Daiquiri Bar is now open in the Glendale Shopping Center, giving residents a new locally owned dining option right here in the heart of our community.
Phatt’s Cajun Seafood & Daiquiri Bar delivers a lively Louisiana-inspired experience with seasoned seafood favorites, bold spices, and refreshing daiquiris that add a touch of New Orleans flair to South Dallas. From casual family dinners to weekend outings with friends, the restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and flavors that keep you coming back.
Location: 4454 S. Marsalis Ave., Dallas, TX
Now Open: Stop by and support a new local business
Special Offer: 10% off your first visit with their opening card
District 4 continues to grow through the support of small businesses that create jobs, energize our commercial corridors, and strengthen our local economy. We encourage residents to stop in, show love, and help welcome Phatt’s Cajun Seafood & Daiquiri Bar as the newest addition to the Glendale Shopping Center.
Support Local. Support District 4.
When we uplift our small businesses, we help strengthen the entire community, building the community with the community.
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Building the Community with the Community
D4 Master Plan Workshop Inspires Action
District 4 showed up in a powerful way as nearly 100 D4 residents gathered for the D4 Master Plan Workshop, hosted by Council Member Maxie Johnson. Held at the Hiawatha Williams Recreation Center, the workshop was more than a meeting, it was a shared commitment to shaping the future of District 4 together.
Residents participated in three focused and interactive workshops centered on the issues that matter most to everyday quality of life: Economic Development, Public Safety, and Quality of Life. Each session was facilitated by dedicated City of Dallas staff, creating an open and productive space for dialogue, collaboration, and idea-sharing.
Throughout the morning, D4 neighbors spoke candidly about the changes they want to see in their communities; safer streets, stronger local businesses, better amenities, and opportunities that uplift families and neighborhoods. Residents didn’t just share concerns; they offered solutions, priorities, and a clear vision for where District 4 should go next.
True to the spirit of building the community with the community, CM Johnson made it clear that this input will not sit on a shelf. At the close of the workshop, participants walked away with a call to action. To ensure resident voices continue to guide progress, CM Johnson announced the creation of three D4 Steering Committee aligned with the workshop focus areas:
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Economic Development
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Public Safety
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Quality of Life
Workshop participants and community members who were unable to attend are encouraged to join one of these committees and play an active role in turning ideas into action and plans into real outcomes. Residents interested in serving on a committee can sign up using the link below:
Sign up to join a D4 Steering Committee:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4vMFyM0nYAHwJjJ7nH4wLPUn38-W5kDruZE8yl926RGSyiA/viewform?usp=header
The D4 Master Plan Workshop reaffirmed a simple but powerful truth: when residents are at the table, better decisions are made. District 4’s future will be shaped not just by plans, but by people; neighbors working together to strengthen the place they call home.
Thank you to every resident who showed up, spoke up, and committed to building District 4 together.
Building the community with the community isn’t just a motto in D4, it’s how progress happens.
Celebrating Champions: SOC Golden Bears Bring the State Title Home
District 4 continues to celebrate an unforgettable moment in South Oak Cliff history as the SOC Golden Bears claimed the 2026 State Championship Football title, igniting pride across our community and the entire City of Dallas.
The celebration kicked off on Saturday with a Dallas ISD championship parade, where thousands of students, families, alumni, and community members lined the streets to cheer on their champions. The energy was electric as South Oak Cliff showed up in full force honoring the hard work, resilience, and unity that defined this championship season.
The celebration continued the following Wednesday at Dallas City Hall, where the City of Dallas formally honored the players and coaching staff during a City Council meeting and celebratory breakfast. City leaders recognized the Golden Bears for their outstanding achievement and for representing South Oak Cliff and District 4 with excellence, discipline, and pride.
Council Member Maxie Johnson paid special recognition to Coach Todd for a historic accomplishment becoming the first African American high school football coach in Texas to win three UIL State Football Championships. In a moment that brought excitement and smiles throughout City Hall, CM Johnson surprised fellow Dallas City Council members with SOC Championship jackets, proudly showcasing Golden Bear pride inside the Council Chambers.
This championship is about more than football, t’s about legacy, leadership, and the power of community. Congratulations to the SOC Golden Bears, their coaches, families, and supporters for a remarkable season and a victory that will inspire South Oak Cliff for generations to come.
District 4 is proud. South Oak Cliff is proud. Once a Bear Always a Bear!
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Council Member Johnson Convenes Multi-Agency Public Safety Meeting to Address Crime Hotspots
In response to recent citywide crime data and ongoing public safety concerns in District 4, Council Member Maxie Johnson convened a special called public safety meeting bringing together key City of Dallas departments to focus on targeted crime hotspots within the district.
The meeting included leadership and representatives from the Dallas Police Department, DPD Southwest Division, Code Compliance, the City Prosecutor’s Office, and the Office of Emergency Management. The goal was to align enforcement, prevention, and coordination strategies to reduce violent crime and improve quality of life in high-impact areas of District 4.
This meeting was held following recent reporting by The Dallas Morning News highlighting a broad decline in crime across Dallas, including the city’s lowest homicide count in more than a decade. While these overall trends show progress, District 4 leadership emphasized the importance of focusing on neighborhood-level conditions, where residents may still experience safety challenges that require direct intervention.
During the meeting, Derrick Battie, District Director for Council Member Johnson, addressed City staff and outlined ongoing public safety concerns across District 4. He stressed the need for a coordinated, data-driven approach that addresses both criminal activity and contributing environmental factors such as nuisance properties, code violations, and emergency preparedness.
DPD leadership acknowledged the concerns raised and emphasized the importance of proactive strategies in known hotspot areas. Deputy Chief Kaylee Hawks affirmed that DPD will continue prioritizing community-focused policing strategies, particularly in the Ledbetter & Sunnyvale corridor and the Illinois & Overton area, where focused attention and interdepartmental collaboration can have the greatest impact.
Council Member Johnson highlighted the importance of city departments working together to address complex public safety challenges. He noted that meaningful reductions in violent crime require not only law enforcement presence, but also coordinated efforts with code enforcement, prosecutors, and emergency management to stabilize neighborhoods and prevent repeat issues.
This special called meeting reflects District 4’s ongoing commitment to collaboration, accountability, and targeted action. By bringing City departments together at the same table, Council Member Johnson and District 4 staff continue working to ensure resources are aligned and focused where they are needed most to keep District 4 communities safe.
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🌟An Evening of Elegance for Our Senior Residents🌟
District 4 is proud to invite our senior citizens to a magnificent night of elegance, joy, and celebration at the upcoming Senior Citizens Prom! Dust off your finest attire, grab your dancing shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable evening designed especially for you.
This special night will be filled with music, laughter, and cherished memories as we honor the wisdom, style, and legacy of our seniors. Whether you come to dance, socialize, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Date: February 13
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Cedar Crest Golf Course – Club House
Click here to RSVP: https://forms.gle/asA5YxBRaNXCS95TA
As we begin Black History Month, City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert shares an inspirational message regarding our commitment to remembrance and progress.
"Black history is American history, and it is Dallas history. This month, every month, let us celebrate the past by what we choose to do in the present. Together, we honor the legacy of those who came before us, and together we will write the next chapter of Dallas history."
You can watch the full video message here: https://youtu.be/xHY-IGKih1E
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