Bonton is a historically African-American neighborhood in South Dallas, Texas. The area, zip code 75215, is bounded by Hatcher St. and S Central Expressway to the North and West, respectively, and goes as far as Municipal St. and Donald St. to its East and South.[1] Lauren Woods and Cynthia Mulcahy, artists/researchers, put forth in their Dallas Historical Parks Project,[citation needed] that the name "Bon Ton" is possibly to be derived from the French expression "bon ton," translating to high society, fashionable manner, or style.[2] This was a popular adjective in black society in the early 20th century. Advertisements in local black newspapers like The Dallas Express, used the phrase "High Classed, Bon Ton, Restricted Residences for Negroes" to describe the new housing developments in this area of South Dallas. Bonton was also once closely linked to the black arts and culture district called Deep Ellum, as a direct road originally connected the two areas.[3] The two main racial groups represented in the neighborhood are African Americans and Hispanics, with the former constituting over 75% of the population. Many of Bonton's residents are disadvantaged, with 42.9% of the populace falling below the poverty line and 65% failing to complete high school or achieve an equivalent degree.[1] As factors like these contributed to rising incidents of crime and other social ills, the battle to revitalize the area was born, one that still rages today.