Tour Group Restores Confidence
It had been a while since I had given a proper tour of the building and I was worried I would be rusty. But this past Saturday, Mosaic Templars brought a group of inquisitive folks down to Taborian Hall and the Dreamland Ballroom. It is the last stop on their walking tour of 9th St, highlighting the historic layout of the once thriving African American business district that occupied the surrounding few blocks. Fortunately, the group’s openness and deep interest in the subject matter made for a smooth transition back into my role as tour guide.
Past Transgressions
Little Rock has a very sordid past, especially when it comes to the spatial segregation of its black and white communities. Like many places across the country, the legal desegregation of our cities and towns influenced white people to move, build new business districts, and form private schools. These are just some of the things we associate with white flight, red-lining, and other racially charged lifestyle and economic choices made in the mid-20th century. As a result, most cities (Little Rock included) are more physically segregated than they were before desegregation.
Future Triumphs
While I’ve given tours to plenty of white and black people, I tend to get groups of either one or the other. (This is consistent with most of my experiences growing up in Little Rock.) Conversely, this tour group on Saturday was really diverse. By that, I mean this group had a good balance of both black and white people.
I noticed that the group’s interests seemed broader and more conscientious than previous groups. Individuals spoke more inquisitively about, not only the history of the building, but what we are doing today as well. When we reached Dreamland, they discussed what they loved seeing while there, what they wished to see more of, and what they hoped to see when Dreamland opens back up. They asked poignant but considerate questions about my family’s role in the building’s restoration and future.
Gracious Partnership
The success of this tour came from our collaboration with Mosaic Templars. They organized the tour dates, advertised for attendance, and had their very knowledgeable and personable community liaison, Brian Rodgers, leading the tour. Mosaic did most of the leg work for this small but great event centered around black history. We at Dreamland simply had to be in the right place at the right time and share our experience. Being a state-run institution of history professionals, the Mosaic Templars can reach a broader audience than our small organization while imparting a know-how that our private non-profit of volunteers cannot. I am extremely grateful for the occupants of our sister building and hope for a rich and gracious partnership as the Dreamland Ballroom opens to full capacity.
Keep Dreaming, Matthew McCoy
P.S. You can find more info on the Mosaic Templars next walking tour on their website or Facebook page.
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