Community leaders in Dallas are urging residents to help locate a stolen bronze monument that celebrated a landmark moment in Black history. The six‑foot, 300‑pound statue, which depicted a golfer, stood on a concrete pedestal in the 6700 block of Mabel Avenue, adjacent to a historic marker for the Hilliard Memorial Golf Course.
Why the statue matters
Established in 1950, the Hilliard Memorial Golf Course was the first municipal golf course created specifically for African Americans in the southern United States. Its significance extends beyond sport; it represents a triumph of perseverance and community in the face of segregation. The statue, installed last June tenth (Juneteenth) 2026, was intended to honor that legacy and to serve as a source of pride for the Elm Thicket/Northpark neighborhood.
What happened
Dallas Police Department received an official theft report on September 30. A preliminary investigation determined that unknown suspects removed the statue overnight on September 24. As of Sunday, the bronze figure has not been recovered and no arrests have been made.
Community response
Jonathan Maples, president of the Elm Thicket/Northpark Neighborhood Association, said the loss is a blow to the community’s heritage. “This monument was a tangible reminder of our ancestors’ courage and the progress we continue to make,” Maples said. He and other local organizers are circulating flyers, posting on neighborhood social‑media groups, and holding a brief vigil at the empty pedestal to keep the issue in the public eye.
How you can help
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective D. Cunningham at 214‑329‑8909 or via email at [email protected]. The case is being tracked under Case No. 820294‑2026. Residents are also encouraged to share any surveillance footage from nearby businesses or homes that might have captured activity on the night of September 24.
Broader context
The theft underscores the ongoing challenges of protecting public art and historic markers, especially those that celebrate minority histories. City officials have previously pledged to increase security around cultural landmarks, but resources remain limited. Community advocates argue that stronger partnerships between law‑enforcement and neighborhood groups are essential to safeguard such symbols of shared heritage.
While the investigation continues, the empty pedestal stands as a stark reminder of what was lost and a call to action for Dallas residents to protect the city’s diverse history.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
