A Historic Landmark Preserved: The Revival of Norfolk’s Attucks Theatre
In the bustling city of Norfolk, a piece of history stands resilient, echoing stories of the past and resonating with the aspirations of the future. The Attucks Theatre, an emblem of African American heritage, was saved from oblivion by the serendipitous presence of a men’s clothing store and the dedication of the local community.
During the 1960s, a young Charles Edward Johnson Jr. often visited the site where Stark & Legum operated, unaware of the theater’s rich history. “I was like, ‘What is this back there?'” Johnson reminisced, recalling his childhood curiosity about the dilapidated structure. The store owners, Mr. Stark and Mr. Legum, revealed that the space once housed a vibrant theater.
The Attucks Theatre originally opened its doors in 1919, a testament to the vision of Black architect Harvey Johnson and the determination of the African American community that financed and built it. Named after Crispus Attucks, it earned the moniker “the Apollo of the South,” akin to New York City’s famous Apollo Theater, hosting legends like Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald.
Throughout its storied history, the venue catered to concerts, movies, plays, and community gatherings. Known as “the Booker T” at one time, it provided office space for Black professionals and was a notable entry in the “Green Book,” a travel guide for African Americans during the segregation era.
In the early 1990s, driven by a vision to restore the theater’s former glory, Johnson and local advocates established the “Crispus Attucks Cultural Center Inc.” Their efforts, in collaboration with the city, resulted in a three-year renovation project around 2001, culminating in the theater’s reopening in 2004.
Recognizing its historical significance, the U.S. Congress designated the Attucks Theatre a National Historic Landmark in 1977. More recently, Norfolk Deputy City Clerk Aurelia Trusty and Johnson worked to ensure its place on the Virginia Board of Historic Resources’ marker list, now featuring over 2,600 locations statewide.
The city invested $3,000 in a cast aluminum marker, unveiled during Norfolk’s Martin Luther King Day celebration. As Mayor Kenny Alexander and City Council members revealed the marker, Johnson expressed pride in the theater’s ongoing legacy. “It’s not just African American history, it’s everybody’s history,” he remarked, underscoring the theater’s vibrant role in the community.
Currently, the Attucks Theatre serves as a hub for community forums, performances, and events, with a new jazz series in the works. “I’m calling it the jazz club,” Johnson shared enthusiastically.
LaToya Gray-Sparks from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources highlighted the state’s marker program’s evolution since its inception in 1927. She noted that over half of the new markers in the past decade celebrate African American history, an area previously overlooked by the program.
The MLK Day festivities began with Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech resonating through the Attucks, followed by moving performances from local choirs. A “unity walk” from the theater to a nearby Martin Luther King Memorial capped the day, emphasizing the significance of King’s legacy.
Roni Ledbet, accompanied by her young daughter Logan, emphasized the importance of understanding King’s impact. “It’s not a day off,” Ledbet affirmed, highlighting the day’s purpose as a time for service and reflection.
Engineer Bernard Jones, a long-time attendee, shared his perspective: “It’s definitely a day of remembrance of all the great work he did, not just for African Americans, but Americans in general.” Meanwhile, Terry Calhoun expressed his appreciation for King’s nonviolent approach, urging for continued efforts toward global harmony.
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