Breaking Ground on Hope: Veterans Village Coming to District 4
 Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Maxie Johnson is proud to announce the Land Dedication Celebration of Veterans Village at Patriots Crossing, a transformative new community dedicated to serving the men and women who have served our nation. Located directly across from the VA Medical Center in District 4, the development represents a major investment in housing, dignity, and supportive services for veterans.
The project, led by Bryan Myer, CEO and Co- Founder of The Veterans Community Project (VCP), will feature 50 garden homes exclusively for veterans, a Veteran Community Center, a Veterans Park, and a secure gated environment designed to provide stability, connection, and quality of life for those who have worn our nation's uniform.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Johnson expressed his commitment to ensuring that no veteran is left behind.
"Veterans who served this country should never be homeless. Patriots Crossing is about more than building homes, it's about building hope, restoring dignity, and honoring our veterans through action, not just words. They answered the call when our nation needed them. Now it's our responsibility to answer the call for them."
The project would not have been possible without the leadership and advocacy of Jude Akpunku, whose dedication to veterans helped connect the City of Dallas with Veterans Community Project and move the vision forward. Councilmember Johnson extends his sincere appreciation for Jude's service to our country and his tireless efforts to create meaningful opportunities for veterans in Dallas.
Special thanks also go to the City of Dallas Office of Economic Development, whose partnership helped make the project possible through the donation of land for development.
Veterans Village at Patriots Crossing reflects District 4's commitment to ensuring that those who served our nation have access to safe housing, supportive services, and a community they can proudly call home. As construction begins, this project stands as a reminder that Dallas remains committed to honoring our veterans not only with words, but with action.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Maxie Johnson Leads Effort to Keep the Mavericks Downtown
 District 4 Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Maxie Johnson hosted a press conference and fellow elected officials, community leaders, and residents spoke urging the Dallas Mavericks to reconsider plans to relocate from Downtown Dallas to a proposed arena site in Far North Dallas.
Johnson emphasized that the Mavericks are more than a basketball team, they are a major economic driver for Downtown and our Urban Core.
"For too long, Southern Dallas has watched major investments move north," Johnson said. "We should be strengthening Downtown Dallas, not weakening it. The Dallas Mavericks belong in Downtown Dallas. Keeping the Mavericks downtown strengthens our tax base, supports small businesses, creates economic opportunity, and benefits every part of our city including Southern Dallas. We must ensure that future investments uplift all communities”.
Joining Johnson were State Senator Royce West, State Representative Venton Jones, Pastor Bryan Carter, Councilmember Zarin Gracey, Councilmember Lorie Blair, and Community Leaders who voiced concerns about the impact the move could have on downtown businesses, jobs, and economic development.
Johnson also delivered a direct message to Maverick’s ownership:
"To our Dallas Mavericks: You belong right here in the heart of Downtown Dallas. We support you, we love you, and we want you here. Don’t turn your back on Southern Dallas”!
The press conference highlighted growing concerns about the future of Downtown Dallas and the importance of preserving key economic and cultural institutions in the city's urban core. Council Member Johnson pledged to continue advocating for solutions that keep the Mavericks in Downtown Dallas and ensure all communities have a voice in the city's future.
Dallas Honors a Community Giant with John Beckwith Sr. Drive
 Under the leadership of Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Maxie Johnson, a historic moment took place at Dallas City Hall as family members, friends, community leaders, clergy, and residents gathered to celebrate the official street name change of Fairshop Drive to John Beckwith Sr. Drive, honoring one of Southern Dallas' most influential business and community leaders.
John Beckwith Sr., founder of Golden Gate Funeral Home, built more than a successful business. He built a legacy of service, compassion, and community investment that has impacted generations of Dallas families. At a time when African American families faced barriers to receiving equitable funeral services, Golden Gate Funeral Home became a trusted institution known for dignity, excellence, and care.
Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Mr. Beckwith was a philanthropist, civil rights advocate, and champion for economic empowerment. Throughout his life, he invested in churches, youth programs, civic organizations, and families in need, helping strengthen the fabric of Southern Dallas.
The newly renamed street is located near Golden Gate Funeral Home, serving as a permanent tribute to a man whose impact can still be felt throughout the community he faithfully served for decades. The designation of John Beckwith Sr. Drive ensures that future generations will remember his commitment to service, dignity, and uplifting underserved communities.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Maxie Johnson celebrated and applauded the efforts of everyone who helped make the recognition possible.
"John Beckwith Sr. was a trailblazer whose work transformed lives across Dallas. This street naming is more than a sign, it is a lasting reminder of the power of service, entrepreneurship, and giving back to the community."
District 4 is proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor and congratulate the Beckwith family on this significant milestone in preserving the legacy of a true Dallas icon
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