The Paradise Theater (1941-1951): African American Movie Palaces and the 1943 Racial Uprising in Detroit

Drew Meinecke | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

This historical analysis of the Paradise Theater aims to show how the theater impacted the lives of the African American population in Detroit during the 40s/50s socially, politically and culturally. This paper discusses the theater’s programming, specifically its all African American stage show policy and role as a space specifically meant for and attended by Black people.