This Theater Helped Spark The Career Of Many Black Entertainers

Exterior entrance of the Apollo Theater
Via Flickr
Ade Hennis
September 29, 2023

Billy Mitchell, also known as Mr. Apollo, confirmed what we already knew about the Apollo Theater. “Our culture has been the most dominant.”

During the Great Migration, Harlem boasted the largest concentration of Black people in the world. These residents needed a space away from the racism they faced. When the Apollo opened in 1934, it  didn’t take long before we made that space our haven.

By 1937, the theater was the largest employer of Black theatrical workers. Artists such as Patti LaBelle  received the respect and love they deserved, unlike the other venues across the country that wouldn’t allow Black artists to perform.

“The music on that stage was reflecting the reality of where we were in this country. On that stage at the Apollo, we are in dialogue with our community about our struggles, our triumphs, our feelings of loss—and that's all happening through the music,” said producer Roger Ross Williams.

The Apollo Theater has stood the test of time because of our people’s willingness to support rising artists, along with being a haven for us to bond together. When we unite, we can create even more safe spaces and uplift each other personally and professionally. Here’s to making even more “Apollos” for our people.

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