Where is Como? Fort Worth neighborhood has long history of pride and resilience

Fort Worth’s Como neighborhood has a history that dates back to the late 1800s and its story is one of resilience and unwavering strength in the face of adversity.

That strength was demonstrated once again after 11 people were shot Monday night in a parking lot on Horne Street following the neighborhood’s annual Fourth of July event, ComoFest. Three gunshot victims died from their injuries.

Despite this, Como residents pressed on with their July 4 celebrations, with crowds lining up and down the street for the parade on Tuesday.

“We know that that’s not our community,” Tanya Thomas, whose family has lived in the neighborhood for four generations, told the Star-Telegram. “We’re a loving community. We’re family. Everybody’s family.”

Where is Como?

The Como neighborhood is located between Camp Bowie and Vickery boulevards southwest of Arlington Heights.

What is the history of Como?

Thousands of miles from its scenic seaside namesake in Italy, Como was founded in 1889 when a man-made dam was built for locals and out-of-towners.

Investors envisioned a grand development and by 1892 about 20 stately homes and a resort hotel called Ye Arlington Inn were completed.

However, The Panic of 1893 — one of the most severe financial crises in the history of the United States — halted development and the initial plans were scrapped.

An African American community developed around Lake Como in the early 1900s.

During segregation, the Como community hosted a centennial exposition specifically for the city’s black community called “A Century of Negro Progress” in 1936. Fort Worth’s white community hosted a celebration of Texas’ independence from Mexico the same year.

The exposition was a four-day event tied to the community’s traditional Juneteenth celebration and included a midway, an exhibition building and a night club, according to the city of Fort Worth.

Although the community was located around Lake Como, a public park did not exist for residents to enjoy until the 1950s.

Star-Telegram publisher Amon G. Carter gave the city of Fort Worth 86.5 acres to use as a park in 1952 and later his foundation gave $25,000 for development and improvement of the park.

As Como’s African-American population grew, funding for schools and community developments decreased.

Over the years, community advocates fought for positive change in Como.

Viola Pitts — Fort Worth community activist, civic leader, and voter-registration crusader — was a strong advocate for Como, which helped secure better funding for the community center, elementary school and streets in the surrounding area.

In 2020, Fort Worth City Council awarded the neighborhood $3.2 million to boost safety, aesthetics and private investment. At the time, the city credited the neighborhood’s leadership for advocating for the improvements.

What is Comofest?

Comofest is a day of family-friendly activities to celebrate the pride of the neighborhood.

The community block party started in 2021 and is put on by the Legacy Lake Como organization.

The Legacy organization was formed following the 2020 death of George Floyd in order to present positive images of Black men in the community, according to the organization’s website.

Legacy has organized clean ups, car wash fundraising events for local day cares and hosts a yearly event called Como Cover Up - Blanket, Coat and Sock Drive to provide clothing for those in need during winter months.