Fred Rouse III, the grandson of Fred Rouse, who was kidnapped and lynched in 1921 in Fort Worth, spoke to residents recently at his grandfather’s memorial dedication.

Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc. hosted a Texas Heritage Trails historical marker unveiling Dec. 11 at the Maddox-Muse Center, 330 E. 4th St., which was once the Metropolis and County Hospital, where Rouse was kidnapped in 1921.

The marker for Rouse will allow visitors of downtown Fort Worth to learn the long-buried history of the city. 

After the marker unveiling, visitors moved 1.5 miles north to the intersection of NE 12th Street and Samuels Avenue, where Rouse was shot and hanged from the “Death Tree,” an infamous lynching tree in Fort Worth.

The Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice, led by Adam McKinney, collaborated with the Rainwater Charitable Foundation to purchase the land where Rouse was murdered.

Now, a memorial sits in the place where the tree once stood.

“We must remember that our Fort Worth has a history of white supremacy. This history does not sit external to the landscape of white supremacy in America as a whole,” McKinney said. “However, examining Fort Worth as a microcosm of white nationalism and white supremacist activity can help us determine potential solutions to ending oppression.”

The marker and memorial are only the beginning of a long journey to “better understand our present” by looking back at history, he added. The Fred Rouse Memorial will ​​“reclaim the historical site of trauma and use the site as a foundation for community healing and memorialization.”

Rouse III had a message for those gathered Dec. 11: “Please, America, take the rope off our necks.”

“This land is sacred,” Rouse III said. “Everyone here has the ability to love one another. Everyone here has the ability to end racism. Everyone here can recognize the pains of the past and then heal the hearts of the future.”

Cristian ArguetaSoto is the community engagement journalist at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him by email or via Twitter. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

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‘This land is sacred:’ Fort Worth acknowledges racist history during memorial dedication

by Cristian ArguetaSoto, Fort Worth Report
December 13, 2021

<h1>‘This land is sacred:’ Fort Worth acknowledges racist history during memorial dedication</h1> <p class="byline">by Cristian ArguetaSoto, Fort Worth Report <br />December 13, 2021</p> <p>Fred Rouse III, the grandson of Fred Rouse, who was kidnapped and lynched in 1921 in Fort Worth, spoke to residents recently at his grandfather’s memorial dedication.</p> <p><a href="https://tccpj.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice</a>, the <a href="https://www.fortworthchamber.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce</a> and <a href="https://www.basshall.com/about/pafw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc.</a> hosted a Texas Heritage Trails historical marker unveiling Dec. 11 at the <a href="https://www.basshall.com/about/maddox-muse-center/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maddox-Muse Center</a>, 330 E. 4th St., which was once the Metropolis and County Hospital, where Rouse was kidnapped in 1921.</p> <p>The marker for Rouse will allow visitors of downtown Fort Worth to learn the long-buried history of the city.&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide"> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"> <ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26320" data-id="26320" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-15-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Adam McKinney, president of the Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice, listens to a speaker at the memorial dedication on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26319" data-id="26319" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-14-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Community members listen to speakers at the Fred Rouse Memorial dedication event on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26321" data-id="26321" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-16-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Timeka Gordon, board member for the Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice, speaks to community members on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26323" data-id="26323" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-18-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Tyler Gray, right, Deshawn Gray, left, and Adam McKinney, center, at the groundbreaking event for the Fred Rouse Memorial on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26325" data-id="26325" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-20-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">City Council members hand the proclamation to the Rouse family on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26318" data-id="26318" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-13-683x1024.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">The Fred Rouse Memorial is covered up before its unveiling on Dec. 11. The memorial will stand in the place where Rouse was shot and hanged on Dec. 11, 1921. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26324" data-id="26324" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-19-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">City Council members present a proclamation on at the memorial groundbreaking on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26326" data-id="26326" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-21-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Community members applaud Fred Rouse III, grandson of Fred Rouse, after his speech on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26328" data-id="26328" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-23-683x1024.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Dancer Kira Daniel performs on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26329" data-id="26329" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-24-1024x819.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">The Rouse family digs up soil that represents the soil where the blood of victims of racial violence and lynching was spilled. "There is also the opportunity for new life, a chance to grow, and, may I add, build and create something hopeful and healing for the future," Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice board member Timeka Gordon said. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26330" data-id="26330" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-25-683x1024.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Richard Rouse, left, and LaFonda Rouse, right, unveil the Fred Rouse Memorial at the intersection of NE 12th Street and Samuels Avenue on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26317" data-id="26317" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-12-683x1024.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">New York artist Zeus Hope at the historical marker unveiling. Hope traveled from New York to attend the event. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26316" data-id="26316" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-11-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Timeka Gordon, left, Richard Rouse, center, and LaFonda Rouse, right, clap at the historical marker unveiling at the Maddox-Muse Center on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26315" data-id="26315" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-10-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Adam McKinney, president of the Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice, stands where they plan to install the historical marker in early 2022. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26314" data-id="26314" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-9-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Sydney Hewitt sings on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26313" data-id="26313" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-8-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Fred Rouse III, grandson of Fred Rouse, speaks on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26312" data-id="26312" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-7-1024x819.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">President of Performing Arts Fort Worth Dione Kennedy, left, and President of the Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice Adam McKinney speak at the historical marker reveal event. McKinney said people need to look at history to "better understand our present." (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26311" data-id="26311" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-6-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">City Council members Chris Nettles, left, Elizabeth Beck, center left, Jared Williams, right, and Mayor Mattie Parker, center left, speak at the historical marker unveiling on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26310" data-id="26310" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-5-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">People bow their heads as Pastor Kenneth Jones Jr. leads a prayer on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-26309" data-id="26309" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CAS_Fred_Rouse_Memorial-4-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice intern Michaela Clark, left, LaFonda Rouse, granddaughter of Fred Rouse, center left, Fred Rouse III, grandson of Fred Rouse, center, Richard Rouse, center right, and Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice board member Timeka Gordon, right, at the Texas Heritage Trails historical marker unveiling on Dec. 11. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> </ul> <p><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a></p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div> </div> </div> <p>After the marker unveiling, visitors moved 1.5 miles north to the intersection of NE 12th Street and Samuels Avenue, where Rouse was shot and hanged from the “Death Tree,” an infamous lynching tree in Fort Worth.</p> <p>The Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice, led by Adam McKinney, collaborated with the <a href="https://rainwatercharitablefoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rainwater Charitable Foundation</a> to purchase the land where Rouse was murdered.</p> <p>Now, a memorial sits in the place where the tree once stood.</p> <p>“We must remember that our Fort Worth has a history of white supremacy. This history does not sit external to the landscape of white supremacy in America as a whole,” McKinney said. “However, examining Fort Worth as a microcosm of white nationalism and white supremacist activity can help us determine potential solutions to ending oppression.”</p> <p>The marker and memorial are only the beginning of a long journey to “better understand our present” by looking back at history, he added. The Fred Rouse Memorial will ​​“reclaim the historical site of trauma and use the site as a foundation for community healing and memorialization.”</p> <p>Rouse III had a message for those gathered Dec. 11: “Please, America, take the rope off our necks.”</p> <p>“This land is sacred,” Rouse III said. “Everyone here has the ability to love one another. Everyone here has the ability to end racism. Everyone here can recognize the pains of the past and then heal the hearts of the future.”</p> <p><em>Cristian ArguetaSoto is the community engagement journalist at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him by&nbsp;</em><a href="http://cristian.arguetasoto@fortworthreport.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>email&nbsp;</em></a><em>or via&nbsp;</em><a href="https://twitter.com/CrisArguetaSoto" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Twitter</em></a><em>. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy&nbsp;</em><a href="https://fortworthreport.org/about/fort-worth-report-editorial-independence-policy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em></p> <p>This <a target="_blank" href="https://fortworthreport.org/2021/12/13/this-land-is-sacred-fort-worth-acknowledges-racial-history-during-memorial-dedication/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://fortworthreport.org">Fort Worth Report</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://i0.wp.com/fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/cropped-favicon.png?fit=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;"><img id="republication-tracker-tool-source" src="https://fortworthreport.org/?republication-pixel=true&post=26332&ga=UA-194640723-1" style="width:1px;height:1px;"></p> Copy to Clipboard

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