Lincoln Theatre (Harlem)
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The Lincoln Theatre in Harlem opened in 1915, it was the first theatre in a then predominantly white neighborhood in Harlem to cater to black audiences. The theatre is located on 135th Street and Lenox Avenue. The 1920s was when the theatre reached its fame peak when famous entertainers such as Bessie Smith, Florence Mills, and Fats Waller headlined. [1]
Background
Before the Lincoln Theatre was established, it was called the Nickelette, an entertainment company. In 1909 the building was purchased by Maria C. Downs who changed it to the Lincoln Theatre. Due to the Great Migration happening around this time more African Americans were moving to Harlem. Unfortunately many of the theaters in Harlem were segregated or flat out refused admission to black people. Therefore Downs made the Lincoln into a theatre for black people, hosting black shows, and black performers.[2]
Fun Facts
- The only place in New York where Ma Rainey performed was at the Lincoln.
- Fats Waller became the resident organ player when he was fifteen years old.
References
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