We are a small but ambitious organization; our goal is to preserve the history of our area, with a special emphasis of seeking out untold/undertold stories of Garland's diverse community. After producing (in 2024) a dynamic original musical drama, "The Flats: Cradle of a Community"", that focused on Garland's original African American settlement in downtown Garland, we are applying for a Texas Historical Marker to commemorate "The Flats" neighborhood as well as for a state marker to honor Sims Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Garland's first church to serve its Black citizens.
The Flats was a historic settlement that existed in downtown Garland from early in the last century until the early 1960s. Situated on downtown tracts now occupied by Garland's City Hall and Cultural Arts facilities, the Flats once was a free-standing neighborhood with its own school, churches, businesses, and homes, not untypical in the segregated South. It was the cradle of Garland's African-American community during that time period. The marker will be a permanent record of this lively, vibrant, resolute community that persevered through hardship and will enable citizens to learn about this largely unknown segment of our town's history.
Sims Chapel Church was founded in 1915 and was the hub of religious life in Garland for Black citizens for decades. The church is now 110-years old and is still thriving. Numerous prominent citizens and community leaders have sprung from this congregation. Sims Chapel has launched several other churches that had their start in its facilities.
Through North Texas Giving Day we seek gifts totaling $2,500 to help offset the cost of installing these two markers and to conduct ceremonies to honor the markers.
Our Needs
As a young organization with a packed agenda, funding is our organization's primary need. We have no paid staff. Office and other expenses are paid by directors so that every penny raised goes for programs and special projects. We would sincerely appreciate any size donation. We would welcome an individual or business to underwrite this project. The Friends of Magic 11th Street organization will give proper recognition for all gifts.