Carolina Theater Honoring Black History Month

The Carolina Theater is continuing to honor Black History Month this February. The nearly century-old venue in Uptown is presenting a new film and live music series as part of the celebration.

The Carolina Theater first opened in 1927, but barred Black guests for its first 36 years. The first integration trial began in 1963, allowing African American guests to experience the theater. Black guests were required to make reservations and sit in the balcony as a restriction.

WCNC reports that after the first three weeks of integration passed without incident, the segregation policies were eliminated. Unfortunately, the theater then closed in 1978 before its reopening last year.

Now, they are honoring the past with a special Black History Month production series. This month, guests can experience the Black and Brilliant series. The series features caries award winning films and live performances for guests to experience.

"It's our first February where we're actually back in business, and so we're hoping to make this an annual thing as well," Jared Misner, communications director for the Carolina Theatre to WCNC.

The Black & Brilliant series features movies such as Love & Basketball, Sinners, Dreamgirls, Princess and the Frog, and more. See the full schedule here and plan your visit before the month is over.