Lenora Butler Rolla, a noted African-American activist, businesswoman, educator, and historian. The granddaughter of former slaves who grew up in poverty, Rolla became a civil rights leader and community activist in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In 1977, she founded the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society, whose history museum is named in honor of her.

 

She was the organizer and founder of the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society, set the pace for the Society and its members.

 

Ms. Rolla was, by definition, a public servant. She served Fort Worth’s community organizations with unparalleled dedication.

 

She founded the Hattie Street Haven, a neighborhood community space for youth. She served as Dean of Women at Jarvis Christian College in the early 1950s. Ms. Rolla was a founder of the Community Christian Church and served as Vice President of the National Christian Missionary Convention.

 

Ms. Rolla is personally responsible for the recovery and preservation of most of Tarrant County’s African-American artifacts, placing them under the watchful care of the Society.