The Apollo Theater, called a 'shrine to Black artistic genius' awarded preservation grant

USA Today

4 days ago

The preservation grants are significant for the money, 'but also as a recognition of the ongoing efforts to preserve history and culture.'
WASHINGTON ‒ The legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, which has long been the stage for some of the nation's top Black artists, will restore its signature marquee, thanks in part to a recent grant.
Two dozen other historic landmarks of Black America, including theaters, museums and cemeteries, will also receive $50,000 to $150,000 each for preservation and restoration projects.
The nearly $3 million in grants were announced recently by the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a private nonprofit.
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The money is particularly significant, not just for the dollars it provides, 'but also as a recognition of the ongoing efforts to preserve history and culture," said Michelle Ebanks, the Apollo's president and CEO. 'Black historic places often face underfunding or lack of visibility, making it all the more critical to protect and celebrate them."
Funding for such projects has become harder to come by in recent months, historians and community activists have said, as the Trump administration and others push to scale back the teaching of some Black history.
'As institutions divest from their responsibility, we remain committed to this never-ending work of telling the full history,'' said Brent Leggs, executive director of the fund and senior vice president of the National Trust.
The action fund aims to help preserve places of American significance like the Apollo, which was honored by the Kennedy Center in 2024.
'The Apollo Theater is more than a stage. It's a shrine to Black artistic genius," Leggs said. 'For over a century it has launched icons and shaped culture and now with our help, it's undergoing a comprehensive restoration to ensure this historic venue thrives for another 100 years of creative brilliance.'
Black theaters are anchors in communities
The Apollo, which has a long history on 125th Street in Harlem and has showcased stars like Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson and Usher, is undergoing a $65 million renovation.
Beyond restoring the marquee, the action fund's $100,000 grant will help expand the lobby and improve the sound system, HVAC and lighting. It will also be used to modernize the café and retail space.
More: Black churches, home for prayer and politics alike, get major preservation funds
'Our goal is to stay true to the building's original character while introducing modern upgrades that reflect the needs of today's artists and audiences," Ebanks said.
It's the theater's first full-scale renovation, which is slated to be completed in the fall of 2026. Meanwhile, performances will continue at the new Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theater, a few doors away.
'We're excited that our audiences won't miss a beat," Ebanks said.
Theaters have often been anchors in Black communities, Leggs said.
The Jewel Theater in Oklahoma City was also awarded a $100,000 grant to restore its exterior. The theater, which has been vacant for decades, served the city's Black community when most other venues were segregated, said Leggs.
'There's a sense of urgency to ensure that we don't lose this heritage site," he said.
'Telling the stories of resilience'
Since 2018, the fund has awarded $45 million for 380 projects nationwide.
Over the years, the fund has also awarded preservation grants to historic Black churches, recently giving $1 million to the Clayborn Temple Church in Memphis. The historic church, which was a key site in the Civil Rights Movement, was severely damaged by fire April 28.
More: 'This is our history:' African American churches, museums and landmarks work to preserve Black history
Under the first Descendant and Family Stewardship Initiative in July, grants were given to organizations like the Muddy Waters Mojo Museum in Chicago and the Clemmons Family Farm in Charlotte, Vermont. The grants help descendants and family-led organizations run their sites.
Sites awarded grants under the Conserving Black Modernism effort include McKenzie Hall at the University of Oregon and the administration building at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. The program aims to preserve the work of African American architects and designers.
Ebanks said it's important to continue to fund such efforts.
"These institutions are vital for telling the stories of resilience, innovation, and artistry that have shaped our nation,' she said.