Community Conversation: "Life and Loss in Dallas" Series
A Year of Reporting and Reflection
For over a year, The Dallas Morning News has been reporting on every homicide in the city, going beyond crime briefs to explore the broader impact of loss on communities. The series, titled "Life and Loss in Dallas," has resulted in over 100 stories and a wealth of information. Now, the publication is hosting a community conversation on March 1 in partnership with For Oak Cliff, a nonprofit organization in east Oak Cliff.
A Deeper Look at the Impact of Homicides
The "Life and Loss in Dallas" series has delved into the lives of each victim, highlighting their stories, and the impact their loss has had on their communities. The News has also launched a landing page featuring a map of each homicide, demographic data, and a brief biography of each victim. This initiative aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue and to give voice to the families of the victims.
Community Event: March 1
The community event will take place on March 1 at For Oak Cliff Community Campus, located at 907 E. Ledbetter Drive, Dallas. The program will begin with a panel discussion at 2 p.m., featuring newsroom staff, For Oak Cliff leadership, and public safety professionals. Following the panel, community members will be invited to share their perspectives and engage in a conversation about homicide, crime solutions, and how The News can better tell the stories of victims.
A Message of Reverence and Hope
Amy Hollyfield, managing editor of The News, emphasizes that the "Life and Loss in Dallas" series has been a core part of the publication’s mission to report on the impact of loss on communities. "This community event is part of a broader goal to visit different neighborhoods and talk about our work, helping people understand who we are, what we do, and why we do it," she said.
Taylor Toynes, CEO of For Oak Cliff, believes that honoring and observing the lives lost in the North Texas community is essential to the organization’s mission to be a beacon of hope. "It’s also really important for us to have a message of reverence for life [and] for individuals that we’ve lost," he said. "Through that reverence, I hope that we can find healing with one another so we don’t repeat this cycle."
Event Details
- Date: March 1
- Time: Check-in – 1:30pm; Panel discussion – 2-3 p.m.
- Location: For Oak Cliff Community Campus – 907 E. Ledbetter Drive, Dallas
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the community event?
A: The event aims to provide a space for community members to discuss the impact of homicide on their lives and to share their perspectives on how The News can better tell the stories of victims.
Q: Who is participating in the panel discussion?
A: The panel will feature newsroom staff from The Dallas Morning News, For Oak Cliff leadership, and public safety professionals.
Q: How can I attend the event?
A: The event is open to the public, and registration is not required. However, community members are encouraged to RSVP by contacting For Oak Cliff at [insert contact information].
Q: What is the goal of the "Life and Loss in Dallas" series?
A: The series aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of homicide on communities and to give voice to the families of the victims.
Q: How can I learn more about the series?
A: The series can be found on The Dallas Morning News website, along with a landing page featuring a map of each homicide, demographic data, and a brief biography of each victim.

