Soul of CitySquare

The Poverty Fighters of CitySquare made me a better person and leader.  I am forever grateful and indebted to them.

They are brilliant and beautiful humans who make our city, state, country, and world a better place. I don’t want the stories of the people who did the work to get lost or be forgotten.

As we navigate the current political climate, I am also disheartened by the erasure of the progress and contributions of people in and from marginalized communities, specifically Black people.

I was inspired by two Dallas legends I admire, Marilyn Clark and Diane Ragsdale, and their essential work in documenting the contributions of Black women to the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements. So, I want to start this journey on Juneteenth by centering Black women’s contributions to CitySquare. 

I hope we can see our shared humanity through the stories of these women who contributed their brilliance, leadership, care, creativity, and their lives to help CitySquare realize its mission.

Thank you for joining me during this mourning, celebration, reflection, and reclamation journey- Soul of CitySquare. 

Johnice Woods: The Rich Heritage Housing Developer

One undeniable thing about CitySquare was the familial vibe and actual family connection that runs deep throughout the Central Dallas Ministries/CitySquare history. Though JR’s reputation preceded her, I actually met her daughter, Johnice, first.  When…

Amira Barger: The Courageous Conveyor

In 2010, we knew that we needed a more robust development team and strategy to meet the growing needs of the community, especially coming out of a recession, having just revealed our…

Soul of CitySquare

In May 2024, it was announced that CitySquare would be closing at the end of that year. There were leadership, organizational, and funding changes, as well as the challenges of operating a…

Johnrice (JR) Newton, The healer, minister, and warrior.

I wanted to start the series with some of the OG’s of Central Dallas Ministries, people who were able to see the organization evolve into CitySquare.  One of the things I always…

Self-Interview and reflection, Jarie Bradley

Where are you from and how does that influence the work you do? I was born in Dallas, TX at Methodist Dallas Hospital.  My parents (Jerry and Connie Marie, hence the name…

Dana Morrison-Branch- The pioneer, bridge builder, and community queen

I had been at Central Dallas Ministries for a few months when I was asked to assist with the recruitment process for the WorkPaths department, which Reverend Gerald Britt had established to…

About the Author

Jarie Bradley is a proud, born-and-raised Dallasite with Louisiana roots.  She is a people+work advocate, an executive coach, and writer with a passion for helping people lead with head and heart to create and sustain equitable organizations.