Lyric Theater

Founded and constructed by Georgia native, Geder Walker in 1913, the Lyric was a popular spot for concerts, movies, vaudeville, dramas, political meetings, boxing, rallies, beauty pageants, and school plays. In the 1930s and 1940s, the theater was the major component of NW 2nd Avenue’s “Little Broadway” entertainment district and contributed to Overtown’s reputation as the “Harlem of the South.” The stage has welcomed a star-studded list of cultural icons including W.E.B. Dubois, Marian Anderson, Langston Hughes, Paul Robeson, and Whitney Houston. 

The Black Archives acquired the Lyric Theater in 1988, and renamed it the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Arts Complex. The Lyric Theater was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1989. It is now the oldest legitimate theater in Miami. The Black Archives hosts a variety of cultural and art experiences at the Lyric, including neighborhood tours and the monthly Lyric Live local talent showcase. Contact The Black Archives at (786) 708-4610 for rates and availability for tours and events.

Resources:

Catalyst Storymap
//www.historicpreservationmiami.com/lyric.html
//www.historicpreservationmiami.com/pdfs/Lyric%20Theatre.pdf
//www.bahlt.org/the-black-archives

This is stop number 4 on the Historic Overtown Legacy Trek! Download the map here, or click here to see the next stop: The Ninth Street Pedestrian Mall.