In this month’s Supporter Spotlight, we are honored to highlight Anthony Betters, Sr. a dedicated and influential member of our Dr Pepper Museum community. Anthony was introduced to our board in December 2017 and officially joined as a board member in January 2018. Throughout his time with us, he has been a steadfast advocate for the Museum’s mission, serving not only as a former board chair but also as an active member of our Exhibit Task Force and current Board Ambassador. His leadership, passion, and commitment have played a vital role in shaping the Museum’s success and continued growth.
Q1. What specific experiences or influences in your life have shaped your dedication to supporting the museum and its mission?
Anthony: My affiliation with the Dr Pepper Museum began in 2008 from a purchase of a used four-door burgundy Pontiac “Super Clean” owned by Jack McKinney, the former President of the Dr Pepper Museum. The car was bought for my oldest son, Anthony Betters Jr. for his job transportation to HEB in Woodway while being a student at Midway H.S. The car was still in good shape after he graduated from high school to use during his college years as a student-athlete at Baylor University from 2011 until 2016. The old Pontiac fought through a lot of storms and battles until the engine finally died (lol).
I didn’t know the significance of the Dr Pepper Museum until almost 10 years later after speaking at the Prosper Waco Summitt in October 2017 and Mr. McKinney was in the audience remembered me from the purchase of his car in 2008 – he emailed me a week later and asked if I’d to consider serving on the Dr Pepper Museum board. Well, I was very hesitant because of the unknown and I didn’t know any current board members.
A month later, I called Jack to reminisce about the old Pontiac and asked if he had two Baylor Women’s basketball tickets to spare for a weekday noon game – he said, yes, but l had to meet him and Wilton Lanning (founder of the Dr Pepper Museum) at the Ferrell Center to obtain the tickets. Jack asked me again to serve on the board, and l said let me think about it – he invited me to a board meeting as a guest. And I soon became a board member in January 2018. That’s the history of my DPM journey and a week later Mr. Wilton Lanning passed – it was a blessing to have met him personally. The old Pontiac purchase wasn’t a coincidence!
Q2. How do you feel the museum’s efforts to highlight Black history and culture have impacted the community, and what changes have you seen since your involvement?
Anthony: The Dr Pepper Museum’s vision, mission, and core values were modified over the past few years under the leadership of our new CEO Chris Dyer (2018,) and board members with the intent to be more culturally inclusive to reflect our community, museum visitors and DPM staff. This approach has revamped our board’s volunteer participation to engage more in historical cultural conversations to present new exhibits to highlight Black & Jewish history and other ethnic struggles during the civil rights movement. The most recent award-winning exhibits Sit Down to Take A Stand, The People Who Made Dr Pepper, and the newly presented Wilton’s Landing exhibit are a testament to welcoming an inclusive community to enjoy our museum and their stay while in Waco.
Q3. What advice would you give to others who may want to get involved?
Anthony: Folks who affiliate with the Dr Pepper Museum’s purpose-driven vision will experience a legacy of truth about the birthplace of the Orginal Home of Dr Pepper that was once called “Waco” in addition to newly community-focused exhibits for memories and stories to share with friends and family.
Q4. Is there a particular moment or story from your journey with the museum that stands out to you as especially meaningful or rewarding?
Anthony: Yes, it’s been a journey of fun with the DPM team of something different especially when we “pause” with laughter and friendly comradery while being intentional for a sense of community. I love stopping by during the week to just chat with staff and our visitors!
Anthony’s unwavering dedication to the Dr Pepper Museum has helped shape its success, and we hope his journey inspires others to get involved. If Anthony’s story resonates with you, we invite you to explore how you can contribute to the Museum’s mission.
