Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge to close for ‘The State of the Black Man’ march Saturday morning

Dallas’ iconic Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge will undergo a temporary closure to traffic lasting up to two hours on Saturday morning to accommodate a symbolic march called ‘The State of the Black Man.’

Keio Gamble, the founder of The State of The Black Man, emphasized, “We are protesting our own condition,” highlighting the initiative as a self-assessment and self-correction movement aimed at addressing issues affecting Black men, such as poverty, disproportionately high incarceration rates, mental health challenges, and housing disparities.

The peaceful march, intended for Black men of all ages, will mirror the historic Civil Rights March from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Dallas police will halt vehicle traffic on the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to facilitate the event.

Gamble stressed the need for Black men to take control of their own destiny and hold themselves accountable. Mar Butler, co-founder of the Black Male Alliance, underscored the importance of self-empowerment and community-driven solutions, urging Black men to leverage their resources to address societal challenges.

Dr. Latame Phillips, CEO of Hunger Busters, expressed the need for Black men to take charge of their economic empowerment, advocating for initiatives that promote homeownership, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Councilmember Carolyn King Arnold highlighted the city’s efforts to promote equity and support underserved communities through various programs and partnerships, including workforce initiatives and collaborations with local organizations.

The State of the Black Man initiative aims to foster unity and empowerment among Black men, with the ultimate goal of effecting positive change in their communities. Following the march, resources related to mental health, housing, workforce development, and other vital services will be provided to participants.