Friends of the Douglass Theatre Complex Inc

Coming Soon: “100 Years and Beyond” at the Historic Douglass Theatre

     Next year, the Historic Douglass Theatre celebrates its centennial anniversary with “100 Years and Beyond.” Throughout 2021, this momentous milestone allows the Douglass Theatre to showcase its rich history while anticipating the longevity and prosperity its future holds. Of course, none of this would be possible without the theatre’s innovative founder--Charles Henry Douglass.

 Charles Henry Douglass made significant contributions to Macon’s African American community when he opened the Douglass Theatre in 1921. By applying his entrepreneurial acumen and his desire to ensure equality for African-Americans, Douglass created a safe haven for African-Americans to express themselves freely without fear of racism or judgement in an era of racial violence and hatred. His vision led to the Douglass Theatre, “the premier movie theatre and vaudeville hall open to African-American citizens in the city.” Throughout the years, the theatre epitomized breath-taking artistry and incomparable excellence of major entertainers, such as Ida Cox, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Duke Ellington, Otis Redding, Little Richard, James Brown, and scores of others who revolutionized the country’s cultural and entertainment landscape. The Douglass Theatre remained a place of liberation even after Douglass’s death in 1940. After completing a well-deserved restoration, the “Friends of the Douglass Theatre” –a group of volunteers who understood its significance-- reopened the downtown theatre in 1997, re-launching Douglass’s legacy and progressive vision.

    As one of the last black-owned theatres in the United States, the Historic Douglass Theatre has broadened its events and activities to appeal to the ever-changing population of Macon and surrounding cities. Some of the seasonal and annual programs include: The Jimmy L. Mills, Jr. Choral Heritage Festival; Sing Brother! Sing Sister! (a  recital of Negro Spirituals); HBCU Art Series; Thursday Night at the Movies; Women’s History Month Luncheon; Black History Month Film Series; Jazz in the Courtyard; Stageworks Summer Theatre Camp; Douglass Walk of Fame as well as many more programs that recognize and support rich contributions of Middle Georgia’s African American community.