Charles Henry Douglass

Photo of Charles Henry Douglass (from The National Cyclopedia of the Colored Race (vol. 1, 1919)). Charles Henry Douglass (February 17, 1870 – April 30, 1940) was an American businessman in Macon, Georgia. He operated the 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 Theatre Owners Booking Association (T.O.B.A.) and managed the Florida Blossoms 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. Ben Stein was reported to be the owner and manager of the theater in 1928. "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". 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. 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.

Work and political ties In this time of severe racism and segregation, Douglass took pride in working and serving the black community of Macon. In 1906, he sold the Ocmulgee Theatre and bought another building on Broadway Street, which is one of the main streets in Macon. Some also say, "Charles H. Douglass…was Macon's most prominent African American business leader in the first half of the twentieth century" (Washington Memorial Library).

Douglass was a man who wanted to empower his community and stand up for what he believed in. There was one instance in which the Macon police chief arrested 30 men to explain why they were not active workers, and Douglass came to their defense.

The theatre was also a common place for various groups to congregate in such a time of racial turbulence. Various black interest groups met there providing them with a respectively safe place. Later in 1999, the location served as a location for Ellis's town meetings and the panel discussions were aired live on local television stations. It also housed some renowned vaudeville shows. The Douglass was a home to diverse events, films, and entertainment performances for over 52 years. The Douglass currently continues to be a home to all races and events.