Queen City looks like a forgotten neighborhood. Its Craftsman bungalows and Shotgun homes, built in the early 20th century, could use some repairs and a fresh coat of paint.
The historically African American neighborhood seems almost frozen in time compared to the rampant development in the northern parts of Dallas. That’s not to say it’s stagnant, though. On a recent Saturday, smokers were cooking in parking lots, vendors were set up on street corners, and Harrison Barnes was holding a basketball camp for neighborhood youth.
Inside the Exline Park Recreation Center, a warm gym with yellow cinder block walls and blue mats affixed underneath the backboards provided the backdrop for the camp.