The historic Stop Six neighborhood in southeast Fort Worth was founded in 1896 by African American pioneer Amanda Davis, who purchased a one-acre tract of undeveloped land for $45. Originally a rural settlement, it grew into a thriving, predominantly Black community, home to generations of business owners, educators, ministers, and civic leaders. The neighborhood’s name comes from its position as the sixth stop on the interurban streetcar line connecting Fort Worth to Dallas. Over the decades, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School on Ramey Avenue became a central hub of activity, further cementing Stop Six’s legacy of resilience, heritage, and strong community spirit which has since expanded to East Fort Worth over time.
Organizations like AB Christian Learning Center play a vital role in shaping the future of Stop Six by providing educational resources to families and children within the neighborhood, specifically at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. As a Toolbox Fund grantee, AB Christan Learning Center continues to strengthen the community by providing after-school and summer learning programs for children aged 4 to 12 and advising families on the support they need to become advocates for their children’s education.
Another key organization in Stop Six is Community Frontline, which is committed to mobilizing men to engage in and alleviate suffering within their communities. Their work focuses on four pillars: racial justice, police/community relations, mentoring/education, and community development. The Tubman Gallery, run by Community Frontline as part of their community development efforts, is a noncommercial art gallery in East Fort Worth that showcases the work of underrepresented artists. Supported by the Arts & Culture Fund, it serves as a space to foster creativity and cultural expression.
Meals on Wheels recently began serving meals at Cowan Place Senior Living, a 174-unit housing development in Stop Six for seniors 64 and older. This new congregate meal site provides lunch daily, ensuring seniors in the area have access to fresh, nutritious meals. Since 1985, funding from the Ella C. McFadden Endowment Fund has helped sustain and expand the organization’s mission to combat hunger and isolation.
Stop Six stands as a powerful example of perseverance and progress, where community organizations and dedicated leaders honor its rich history while paving the way for a brighter future. As it evolves, Stop Six embodies the strength and unity of its people, with past and present efforts working together to create a thriving, vibrant community for all who call it home.
