CLEVELAND, Ohio — Acclaimed actors have been showcasing their talents at Karamu House for decades.

  • The oldest African American theater in America is undergoing a multimillion-dollar capital improvement initiative
  • The historic theater was a training ground for many African American artists 
  • Phase 3 of the renovation project should be completed by January of 2021

And now the oldest African American theater in America is undergoing a capital improvement plan that will invest more than a million dollars in its future.

“We have a brand-new theater, a gift shop, a gallery and a lounge and that’s all included in phase one and 2, and a highlight of our phase 3 renovation is a brand-new streetscape on the Quincy Avenue side of our building,” said Tony Sias, CEO Karamu House. “The south side will have a beautiful plaza out there, a media screen that will be promoting the events, as well as patio so people can come out hang out and be on the Quincy Avenue side street. We want people to know one you get to Quincy and 89th Street, you have arrived at one of Cleveland’s premium destinations.” 

Karamu House isn’t just a theater. During the civil rights movement, this is where people came to meet. 

“Well, it was a centerpiece in terms of the civil rights movement because the word Karamu House is a key Swahili word, a place of joyful gathering, so people came here and they met here to talk about the issues of the time and as a factoid, there were more buses that went to the March on Washington leaving Karamu's parking lot than anywhere else in the state of Ohio,” said Sias. 

It has also served as a training ground for many African American artists.

Karamu House CEO Tony Sias names some of the artists who have graced the stage. 

“Some of the big names have a long history here at Karamu would include Langston Hughes, Ruby Dee, Robert Guillaume, Bill Cobb, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Minnie Gentry, Imani Hakeem, James Pickens Jr., and that’s just a small list who have come through and many of who are alums and got their start here at Karamu House.” 

It is an historic theater that is home to a rich history and culture. Its restoration also lifts the image of Cleveland.

Phase 3 of the renovation project should be completed by January of 2021.