African American theaters in Georgia preserving an entertainment legacy /

by (Jason Lamar), 1978- Ellerbee

Many African American theaters built in the early twentieth century have been destroyed. This thesis looks at four African American theaters in Georgia that have been preserved or are in the process of being preserved. It looks at the history of the theaters and at how preservationists took, or are taking, the initiative to restore these entertainment palaces. The restoration of these theaters played a major part in the redevelopment of their cities’ downtown areas. Recommendations for historic theater preservation are provided.