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Between bites of barbecue and pizza on Saturday, Oct. 18, James Armstrong posed a question to the 40 people gathered at The Meeting Place: What does community mean when neighbors rush from their driveways into their homes without making eye contact?
The question hung in the air during The Headliner, a fundraising event for the Branch Herald that paired food with conversations about building connection in an increasingly fragmented world.
Armstrong, who is transitioning from his role as CEO of Builders of Hope CDC to become director of housing and homelessness for the City of Dallas, spent the evening in conversation with Branch Herald founder and editor Kate Bergeron about the power of shared values and self-determination in strengthening communities.
"Community isn't defined by the color of your skin," Armstrong said. "It's people who have shared values. It's about knocking on your door and asking for a cup of sugar, and you say yes."
Armstrong drew from his experience transforming Builders of Hope over eight years, taking the organization from the brink of bankruptcy to become a leading community development practitioner in North Texas. The organization started with five houses in Farmers Branch in March 2024, priced at $330,000, and recently secured 23 additional lots for development.
Before leading Builders of Hope, Armstrong spent 15 years in banking and investment. Growing up in West Dallas taught him that community transcends demographics, he said.
"Everyone’s voice matters," Armstrong said. "No matter if you're rich or poor, no matter if you live next to a golf course or next to a freeway, your voice matters. That's where you start to build community."
The conversation addressed whether Americans still share common values despite deepening political divisions. Armstrong said much of the current tension stems from people feeling disenfranchised as communities change.
"We live in an amazing place with amazing people, and I think it's time that we start acting like it," Bergeron said, opening the discussion.
The event marked a milestone for the Branch Herald as it distributed its first print edition to all attendees. In addition to local news articles, the publication includes a community guide with a detailed map of the area, results from a photo contest and a local comic strip.
Free copies of the print edition are now available at locations throughout Farmers Branch, Addison and Carrollton, including PJ's of New Orleans, Aussie Grind, Dallas Diner, Tom Thumb in Addison, Bankhead Brewing, Children's Health StarCenter and RYSE Energy StarCenter. Businesses interested in distributing the Branch Herald at their location can contact news@branchherald.com.
During The Headliner, Bergeron also spoke candidly about the challenges facing local journalism and the Branch Herald's sustainability.
"This area should be employing 12 reporters minimum to keep this area accountable," Bergeron said, noting that the Carrollton Leader has significantly reduced its operations and the Dallas Morning News continues to shrink.
The Branch Herald needs 3,000 paid subscribers at $60 per subscription to sustain its operations long-term. Community members can also support the publication by becoming free newsletter subscribers, which helps attract advertisers, or by purchasing a Branch Herald yard sign for $18.50 by emailing news@branchherald.com.
The publication started as an online news source focused on Farmers Branch and has expanded to cover Addison and Carrollton. The Branch Herald maintains a community calendar on its website where local organizations can post events at no charge.
The Headliner included a silent auction, cash bar, local trivia and cake by Tiers by Alex. Tickets were $37, with all proceeds supporting the Branch Herald.
"I don't like asking for help. I hate asking for money," Bergeron told attendees, before acknowledging the financial reality of sustaining local journalism.
For information about supporting the Branch Herald or to pick up a free print edition, visit branchherald.com.
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