the mission.

Daughter of Dallas uncovers, amplifies, and archives unknown stories of Black art and activism in Dallas, Texas. Rooted in a love for the city’s hidden herstories/histories and innovative maximalist style, Dallas-born +/ Dallas-bred artists, activists, and advocates of color co-create a more inclusive and comprehensive portrayal of Dallas. We spotlight the resilience, creativity, and radical spirit of Black Dallasites and other survivor groups erased from the dominant narrative.

the movement.

Silhouette of the back of a young girl's head, showcasing two afro puffs atop her head.

Hot pink vase shaped in the form of a naked woman on her knees. There is no head or arms.

Collage of African Figures by Frank Frazier

Collection | Gallery, Catalogue & Closet

We’re building a living trove of Dallas-based artistry: bold canvases, mind-blowing music, and even a statement jacket or two, all capturing the pulse of our city’s creative maximalism.

Collective | The Story of Dallas, by the People of Dallas

Daughter of Dallas is an alliance of local Black/Women storytellers and archivists, shining a spotlight on untold ‘herstories’ and histories from Dallas’s activist-art corner. Because the best narratives come from those who lived them.

Content | Films, Features & Multimedia Projects

From inspiring visual journals to vibrant short films, we’re documenting Dallas culture in real-time. Expect episodes full of color and conversation, complete with that unmistakable Dallas vibe.

Community Archive | Protecting our Legends & Lineage

We’re forging interviews with culture creators and legends and partnering with archives and universities to save our communities’ memories. This is our living record, made with the next generation in mind.

the messenger.

Jamie “J LeShaé” Jenkins

THE BRAIN BEHIND THE BRAND

As a little girl, I slept in the choir pews of Carver Heights Baptist Church, nursed by negro spirituals, Grandmama’s peppermints, and Rev. Carter’s Sunday sermons.

The eldest daughter to a sharp-scrappy South Dallas girl and third spawn to a wandering-workaholic from Oak Cliff, I have 2 sisters and 3 brothers between the two of them. A village raised me – literally. My mama and a huge family of aunties, great-aunties, uncles, great-uncles, grandma, great-grandma, siblings, and cousins all lived in one apartment complex in the late eighties + early nineties. Normandy Woods Apartments in Pleasant Grove were essentially a modern-day African compound for the Jenkins/Brown family.

Money was funny, so we moved often.

I attended: Truett, Richland, Titche, Florence, Gaston, and Byrd. Got a Cosmetology License from Duncanville. Graduated from Cedar Hill. Then, a full ride took me to Clark Atlanta University. My time in Atlanta, and later stints in New York and the Mississippi Delta, exposed me to colors of Black culture, confidence, and consciousness that I hadn’t seen before.

When I moved back to Dallas in 2012, I made it my mission to inspire more love for local legends by uplifting artists, activists, and advocates alike. This initiative exposed me to a rich heritage of art and activism in Dallas that must be documented and protected. So, I created Daughter of Dallas to chronicle the city’s creative counterculture and to show love to the city that shaped me.

the moment.

We’re not just documenting the Dallas Renaissance; we’re inviting you to lead it. Whether you’re a local creative, art lover, or everyday radical, connect, contribute, and collaborate with us.

the mission.

Daughter of Dallas uncovers, amplifies, and archives unknown stories of Black art and activism in Dallas, Texas. Rooted in a love for the city’s hidden herstories/histories and innovative maximalist style, Dallas-born +/ Dallas-bred artists, activists, and advocates of color co-create a more inclusive and comprehensive portrayal of Dallas. We spotlight the resilience, creativity, and radical spirit of Black Dallasites and other survivor groups erased from the dominant narrative.

the movement.

Collection | Gallery, Catalogue & Closet

We’re building a living trove of Dallas-based artistry: bold canvases, mind-blowing music, and even a statement jacket or two, all capturing the pulse of our city’s creative maximalism.

Collective | The Story of Dallas, by the People of Dallas

Daughter of Dallas is an alliance of local Black/Women storytellers and archivists, shining a spotlight on untold ‘herstories’ and histories from Dallas’s activist-art corner. Because the best narratives come from those who lived them.

Content | Films, Features & Multimedia Projects

From inspiring visual journals to vibrant short films, we’re documenting Dallas culture in real-time. Expect episodes full of color and conversation, complete with that unmistakable Dallas vibe.

Community Archive | Protecting our Legends & Lineage

We’re forging interviews with culture creators and legends and partnering with archives and universities to save our communities’ memories. This is our living record, made with the next generation in mind.

the messenger.

Jamie “J LeShaé” Jenkins

THE BRAIN BEHIND THE BRAND

As a little girl, I slept in the choir pews of Carver Heights Baptist Church, nursed by negro spirituals, Grandmama’s peppermints, and Rev. Carter’s Sunday sermons.

The eldest daughter to a sharp-scrappy South Dallas girl and third spawn to a wandering-workaholic from Oak Cliff, I have 2 sisters and 3 brothers between the two of them. A village raised me – literally. My mama and a huge family of aunties, great-aunties, uncles, great-uncles, grandma, great-grandma, siblings, and cousins all lived in one apartment complex in the late eighties + early nineties. Normandy Woods Apartments in Pleasant Grove was essentially a modern-day African compound for the Jenkins/Brown family.

Money was funny, so we moved often. I attended: Truett, Richland, Titche, Florence, Gaston, and Byrd. Got a Cosmetology License from Duncanville. Graduated from Cedar Hill. Then, a full ride took me to Clark Atlanta University. My time in Atlanta, and later stints in New York and the Mississippi Delta, exposed me to colors of Black culture, confidence, and consciousness that I hadn’t seen before.

When I moved back to Dallas in 2012, I made it my mission to inspire more love for local legends by uplifting artists, activists, and advocates alike. This initiative exposed me to a rich heritage of art and activism in Dallas that must be documented and protected. So, I created Daughter of Dallas to chronicle the city’s creative counterculture and to show love to the city that shaped me.

the moment.

We’re not just documenting the Dallas Renaissance; we’re inviting you to lead it. Whether you’re a local creative, art lover, or everyday radical, connect, contribute, and collaborate with us.