Half of Dallas' potential unfolds at night

Business or personal travel may have led you to discover some wonderful cities at night.

Sometimes our best nighttime travel memories are framed by theatre, festivals, shopping, strolling, drinks with friends, seeing the sights, concerts, dancing, architecture, and lights.

The coronavirus pandemic has shot an arrow through the heart of Dallas' nighttime economy. Our 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. social, cultural, and labor workforce has taken a considerable hit.

As such, I have thrown my retirement volunteer energy behind 24HourDallas.

I founded this new non-profit to advocate for a nighttime Dallas that will be safer, more inclusive, and more vibrant.

By ignoring what takes place at night, Dallas leaves half of its potential on the table.

Our all-volunteer organization is currently developing the following initiatives:

• A 24-hour, non-stop streaming variety show to raise funds for Dallas creatives burdened by the COVID-19 economy. Presented by Central Market, Dallas Digithon will be held Nov. 7-8.
   
• A program to dispel racism toward Black men and women at clubs, restaurants, bars, and concert venues.
   
• A series of monthly online webinars on critical topics affecting the arts, restaurants, hotels, entertainment districts, and other sectors of the nighttime economy.
   
• A bold, urban ambassador project that places volunteers of multiple faiths on the sidewalks of our sociable districts at night. They talk, listen, assist, and defuse potential disruptions to a safe and vibrant street life.

Help us reimagine Dallas at night. Residents, businesses, and guests all deserve the same wonderful memories enjoyed in cities around the world.

A great place for you to start helping would to become a 24HourDallas charter member. Annual dues are $25 for individuals or $100 for businesses, organizations, and agencies.

I hope you will join us.

Thank you for your consideration.