The Dunbar Hotel and Central Avenue Renaissance, 1781-1950.

摘要

This study is interdisciplinary in scope with a strong emphasis on the theatrical, artistic, cultural, historical, social, political and economic growth and development of Central Avenue in Los Angeles from the "Golden Era" (approximately 1900-1929) through the war years (WWII), ending the intensive study in 1950 (marking the decline of Central Avenue as a highly visible and productive Black community). Theatrical performance is the heart of this dissertation; however, events, affairs and performances are discussed in historical context, with background data provided when necessary. Special consideration is given to the significance of the Dunbar Hotel (built in 1928), to the Los Angeles community as a whole, and its importance in recent African-American history. Furthermore, this study illustrates Black entrepreneurship, Black academic achievement (Doctors John and Vada Somerville, initial owners of the Dunbar Hotel, were the first Black male and female graduates in the School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California), exceptional theatrical and artistic growth and development (Lafayette Players at the Lincoln Theatre for a 42 week run), and the cultural savoir-faire that African-Americans carved out at a time when racist policies and restrictions were very much a part of American life. In addition, it includes documentation of contributing personalities and their contributions, as well as the social and physical development of the Central Avenue community.