In the 1940s, a nationwide movement was seen within the African American population as they migrated from rural areas to cities such as Dallas. The influx of people, combined with the relative poverty that afflicted the population, compounded the preexisting housing problem of the city of Dallas. The city solved this problem by constructing a series of five housing projects."Housing Projects Honor Deceased Negro Leaders." The Dallas Morning News. 14 April 1952. Web. Originally intended to house 294 families as the city's third public housing unit specifically for African Americans,"Third Negro Rent Project Opened with Ceremonies." The Dallas Morning News. 16 Nov. 1952. Web. Turner Courts opened in 1952 and was named in honor J.L. Turner Sr., one of the first practicing black attorneys in the state. The unit was composed of apartments of various sizes open to low income families who were billed rent based on their level of income.
