Dream Land: Little Rock's West 9th Street

Little Rock, Arkansas's, West 9th Street was once a vibrant, African-American business and entertainment district. Taborian Hall is the only remaining historic structure on West 9th Street and stands as a living witness of the street's former glory days. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Taborian Hall housed varied and important black businesses, including professional offices, a USO, the Gem Pharmacy and the Dreamland Ballroom. By the 1930s, Dreamland was firmly established as a stop on the "Chitlin Circuit," which showcased regional and national African-American bands and stage shows. It was also host to local musicians, dances, socials, concerts and sporting events.

This documentary seeks to recognize, memorialize and share this history. The spirit and hard work of the people and the implications of federal programs such as Urban Renewal, school desegregation, the Housing Act of 1949 and the Eisenhower Interstate Program are explored. West 9th Street and the Dreamland Ballroom have patiently waited for their story to unfold so new audiences can connect to their historical past and unknown future.

About Arkansas PBS:

Find us on Social Media:

[belindacoleman]

Our Black History is so important to know and understand.

[simpletechreview]

This was amazing!!!! I was born and raised in Little Rock and I'm 41 but I never knew about this! I will be sharing this with my wife and 4

[vanwatkins]

Born and raised in little rock and this needs to be taught!

[pathfinderstravelmagazine]

Years ago I interviewed Ernest Withers (please look him up) and he said, "...there was nothing exceptional about Beale Street. Every city had a street." He went on to explain about the various "streets" in communities like Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Richmond. In Alabama City, AL, my grandfather even hung out on a place they simply called, The Street.
Truly eye-opening to learn of Black culture and economics. Thanks to videos such as this, it's devastating to learn of the government 's systematic role in creating separate and unequal housing and education that persists until this day.

[rashaadgibson]

I'm from Little Rock Arkansas born and raised. I remember as a kid my dad managing Reds pool hall he was the best pool player in the state of Arkansas nickname AKA Lefty. Rest in peace Bennie L Gibson

[bigboy]

Watched this last night on PBS. I never knew about the history of 9th street and I've lived here for 33 years. I want to thank everyone that helped create this documentary. I was blown away.

[dranev]

Now I understand why West Little Rock exists today and why the southeastern part of Little Rock remains in decline.

[MAGAISKLAN]

The history of the Dreamland Ballroom is absolutely incredible! Wow! I thought only Harlem had this level of musical history.

[clifflewis]

There will always be certain people who will hate to see us thrive and have a good time.

[TheFeylove]

what a gem Leon is, loved watching and listening to him as he shuffled down and pointed out what used to be :)

[ancientdefine]

Was born here....this took me back down memory lane. We left Arkansas when we walked to the corner and saw national guards lined up far as we could see in Arkansas effort to integrate Central hs, which was walking distance from where we lived. Thank you for this one, for me, it’s priceless.

[feliciaparker]

Wow! I was born in Little Rock. My Mother is straight from the East End and my Dad from Southwest. I grew up in Tulsa Oklahoma but spent so many summers and holidays in Little Rock. I walked all over the Dunbar area as a kid. Watching this makes so much sense now. 9th St is that first exit I take crossing the river from North Little Rock. I’m so blown away and have so much understanding now.

[Texas-tpvj]

The school system in Texas is attempting to remove Black History from its curriculum. However, not only am I learning more and more (like this) but will be having time etched out for my son and I to both partake in this learning. While legends such as MLK, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X are extremely necessary wheels in shaping America, there are many smaller cogs that made the vehicle move .
Thank you for such stories PBS.

[lamonscreations]

Thanks to whoever was involved in this story. I always wanted to know more about my culture. Our people have been robbed for so many years. Our history has not been easily obtained. We must come together and make the changes necessary to heal and grow.

[geralddonelsonii]

I'm 35 and live in Illinois, so many feelings came to me watching this you would think I was part of history

[kingtutthemac]

I am 55yrs old. I live in Dallas now. I was born and raised in Little Rock. I can truly remember riding down 9th street. As a kid with my mom and dad. Also I can remember being a teenager in the early 80s. Me and my friends weren't old enough to go to the clubs on 9th st. So we would just ride down 9th st on Friday and Saturday nights. Times were so good back then.

[lakersin]

Y'all did a good job putting this together, thanks PBS..

[ccth]

When I first moved to Atlanta, a crew of positive & united brothers from Little Rock would tell me about this area. Very interesting!

[marronsoulflower]

This was simply beautiful and a reminder that we can build together, live together and love together!!!

[dianeschonfeldt]

Im in Australia and this broke my heart. To be therein that time to listen to those great bands. No matter what society we live in we have lost a lot of history.