Charles H. Douglass

Charles Henry Douglass was born in 1870 in Macon, Georgia. He was a leading businessman in his time and continues to be remembered today for his contributions to the African American community through his historical Douglass Theatre. He was a very wealthy man in his time and was a great community leader for equality. He was very reputable in the arts, for he was a part of TOBA (Theatre Owners Booker Association) and managed the Florida Minstrels and Comedy Company. He opened the Douglass Theatre in Macon, Georgia, and continued to be a prominent leader within his community. He ran his theatre until 1940 when he died. Throughout his life, Douglass made several contributions to his community and city. "Indeed, thanks to the vision of Charles Henry Douglass, the Douglass Theatre in Macon became a preeminent entertainment venue for African American Georgians outside of Atlanta. Today, with the restored Douglass Theatre again in operation, the inspiring legacy of Charles H. Douglass lives on in Macon".

Charles Henry Douglass was born on February in 1870 in Macon, Georgia. His father, Charles Douglass, was a former slave from Virginia who became a carpenter. Charles grew up with his father, his mother Ellen, and his two sisters in a one bedroom house that his father built. In order to supplement the family income, Charles worked at a very young age peddling wood and vegetables. He also chopped cotton for fifteen cents a day. Since a young age, Douglass had interest in the arts and theatre. After his parents died, he continued to work and supported his sisters until they married. Soon after his sisters were married he left Macon and worked a series of various jobs.

Douglass was born in the fairly small city of Macon, Georgia. Macon is located in central Georgia and is a part of Bibb County. Macon has a vast history behind it and especially around Douglass' era. Andrew Manis, an author of Macon Black and White says, "In Macon, as elsewhere in the state, violence would be whites' first instrument in the effort to return blacks to their accustomed place". Thus showing that there was much unrest during this time period, and having the Douglass Theatre where African Americans could feel liberated through the arts.

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