President Joe Biden recently recognized Ms. Thomas-Melton with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her significant philanthropic contributions and commitment to the Dallas-Fort Worth community. After five decades of volunteer service, she will celebrate her retirement on September 14, 2024 at a gala fit for a queen, from 6-9 p.m. at the Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson, 5101 North George Bush Highway, Gatalan, 75040.
Dallas County recently recognized Verna Thomas-Melton for an exemplary 50-year track record of volunteer service to Dallas County.
A Fort Worth, Texas, native and longtime Dallas County resident, she is a community advocate, philanthropist and entrepreneur.
Since 1974, she has consistently dedicated her time to fighting for the rights of the most vulnerable populations, helping improve life for others and elevating the voice of the African American community.
Ms. Thomas-Melton’s advocacy journey began as a concerned mother whose child was erroneously placed in a special education program for the gain of federal funds.
In 1973, she took a stand to end the misplacement of students in special education across the Dallas Independent School District. Her courageous effort led to significant changes in the program throughout the state of Texas.
Her dedication to addressing social issues continued to grow and Ms. Thomas-Melton founded the once well-known Judy Lott Community Development Center in Oak Cliff and documented the food needs of the City of Dallas. This led to the establishment of the first North Texas Food Bank in 1981.
The Judy Lott center once housed a family of seven be-cause other homeless shelters would not service families. Ms. Thomas-Melton saw an opportunity to fill a void. She collaborated with the City of Dallas to create its first 24- hour emergency shelter in 1983.
The Austin Street Shelter is still in operation today. Her outstanding contributions led Dallas Mayor Jack Evans to proclaim February 13, 1983, as Verna Thomas Day.
Ms. Thomas-Melton later founded the H.E.L.P Foundation, a faith-based, nonprofit organization. She has spear- headed countless initiatives to support various community needs, including fighting poverty, protecting students and teachers, and supplying resources for professional and entrepreneurial development; and Her advocacy efforts have also influenced public safety policies such as the use of clear backpacks in schools and legislation for improved healthcare access.. Ms. Thomas-Melton’s work over the years has involved collaboration with leaders across a variety of sectors, from governors and mayors to prominent attorneys, business leaders and school administrators.
She was instrumental in making Texas’ first bronze statue of Martin Luther King Jr. a reality at Fair Park. Ms. Thomas-Melton knows first- hand the potential consequences of standing up for social change; job terminations and financial instability are part of the sacrifices she has endured.
As a published author, she writes about her struggles and victories as a form of gratitude and encouragement to others. Additionally, as an executive producer of “Dallas’ 1st Black History Makers & Leaders,” she will soon complete the first documentary to show- case leaders who played a significant role in local African American history.
President Joe Biden recently recognized Ms. Thomas-Melton with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her significant philanthropic contributions and commitment to the Dallas-Fort Worth community. After five decades of volunteer service, she will celebrate her retirement on September 14, 2024 at a gala fit for a queen, from 6-9 p.m. at the Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson, 5101 North George Bush Highway, Gatalan, 75040.
