Overview:
The Forest Forward Theatre, a historic venue in South Dallas, has been revitalized by Elizabeth Wattley, the current President and CEO. The theatre, which once hosted legends such as Tina Turner, B.B. King, and Gladys Knight, had been forgotten over the years. Wattley, who has been leading the theatre since 2020, has brought a positive attitude of change to the South Dallas community. The $80 million renovation project has included 78% of contracts with Black-owned and minority-owned businesses, with $17 million invested in Black-owned businesses for construction. Wattley's legacy is one of believing in oneself and the importance of being a Black woman in a high-level executive position.
The Forest Forward Theatre has served as a beacon to the South Dallas community since its creation in 1945. At first, the theatre was segregated. It wasn’t until zoning changes in the early 1950s did the theatre began to serve the predominantly African-American community in South Dallas. As its own entertainment and Broadway venue, the space hosted historic legends such as Tina Turner, B.B. King, and Gladys Knight.
However, throughout the years, the once vibrant haven that brought the community together slowly dimmed and fizzled out. In 2003, Neo-Soul artist Erykah Badu revamped the theatre in 2003 as the Black Forest Theatre. However, not much came of it.
It wasn’t until President and CEO Elizabeth Wattley entered the picture that changes started to happen to this long-time beacon of the South Dallas Community. Since 2020, Wattley has brought a positive attitude of change to the South Dallas community as she strives to revitalize a venue once forgotten.
Related: Dallas’ Forest Theater Celebrates 75th Anniversary, Sparks Revitalization in South Dallas
One thing that is not forgettable is the price tag on the renovation. Through the philanthropy of the non-profit organization, Forest Forward, the Forest Theatre revitalization project costs $80 million dollars in its entirety, meaning that there are numerous contractors involved to ensure the completion of the development. With that being said, 78% of the contracts are with Black-owned and minority-owned businesses. And $17 million is being invested into Black-owned businesses for construction.
Dallas Weekly reporter Zahiyah Carter was able to sit down with Ms. Wattley for an interview where they discussed Ms. Wattley’s passion for the project, the historic contracts she had with small minority owned businesses, and most importantly, the importance of being a Black woman in a high-level executive position.
Zahiyah Carter (ZC): So, let’s start with what inspired you to start the complete revamp process of the theatre and continue its rich legacy. How do you feel about the process you’ve made?
Elizabeth Wattley (EW): I think the Forest Theatre has inspired a lot of people over time, and [people] have wanted to see it come back. I was one of those people, and a lot of synergies came together to make that opportunity a possibility. But everyone, including myself, is excited to see such a beautiful place that is so meaningful to the community that has served the community come back to life. So, it’s a pleasure.
ZC: What does it mean for you to be in this position?
EW: It means a lot. Sometimes it is surprising that we’ve made it this far. This organization has survived COVID and been able to do a lot of things to accomplish a lot of hard tasks. Knowing that the opportunity we have before us can really make a difference and change lives and bring better things to the neighborhood is also something that adds to it. It really means a lot to lead in this role.
ZC: What do you want your legacy to be for young Black girls who see you in this position?
EW: If there is anything that I have found that has been helpful for me, which sounds so cliche, but it really is believing in yourself and your confidence and being yourself. There is no one better to be than yourself. And the more I leaned into that, the more I understood that about myself, the more meaningful this work has been, and the better we got at doing this.
ZC: Given that it is Women’s History Month, what do you want to say to women in general who may not feel like they see themselves in leadership positions like yourself?
EW: Women are natural leaders. We are badasses. Women make this city. We are smart. We are multi-talented. We know how to multitask. We raise children. We support husbands. So I am very excited and proud to be a Black woman.
ZC: Have there been any fun memories throughout this entire process?
EW: I’ll never forget when we knocked down a wall in the theatre so we could start rebuilding, and I was like, well, that’s it. There is no turning back because we can’t leave this place worse than we found it.
ZC: When there are setbacks, what do you tell yourself to keep the energy up for not only you but your entire team?
EW: What I tell myself and the team is that what we do well is problem solving. “No” does not mean that we will not move forward in something, that just means that’s not the path we’re going to take. One door closing does not mean the doors close as well.
Elizabeth Wattley recognizes that she is not only a role model for her neighborhood as a whole, but also for young Black women who may aspire to one day follow in her footsteps as a community leader. The CEO shared her words of encouragement to the next generation of female leaders in simple terms: “Believe in yourself.”
