New documentary honors the legacy of a North Dallas freedman town pioneer

A new documentary about a pioneering Black businesswoman and philanthropist in one of Dallas’ historic freedman towns premieres this weekend at the African American Museum. “Herstory: Life in North Dallas Freedman Town” dives into the life of Katie Johnson Warren, a Black laundress who later became a renowned clairvoyant, and sheds light on Dallas during the Reconstruction era and the impact Warren had on her community. The 20-minute film, funded by The Summer Lee Foundation, was produced by Warren’s granddaughter, Kathleen Sanders, who wanted to preserve and share her grandmother’s story. “I think it’s a universal story,” Sanders said. Warren moved to Dallas in 1891 at age 19, settling in the freedman town known today as Uptown. The documentary highlights the challenges of racial segregation in Warren’s neighborhood and showcases how she built a thriving business as a clairvoyant. “She was aware that freedom and the progress was connected to community, education, service,” Sanders said. Courtesy / Kathleen Sanders Katie Johnson Warren’s house in the area of Dallas now known as Uptown. The house is still standing today. Featuring interviews with local historians and community leaders, the film explores Warren’s life in Dallas as she became a trusted advisor to...