Douglass Theatre, Macon


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The Douglass Theatre in Macon is rumored to be haunted by a ghost that causes the lights to dim inexplicably. While the theater is celebrated for its important history in African-American arts, its paranormal story is tied to this specific occurrence. The theater was founded in 1921 by Charles Henry Douglass, a successful Black businessman. He built the theater to give Black performers and audiences an elegant and welcoming space during the era of segregation. The venue became an important stop on the "Chitlin' Circuit," hosting icons like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Otis Redding, and a young James Brown. It closed in 1972 and was renovated, reopening in 1997 to serve audiences of all backgrounds. Staff and visitors have noted that the house lights sometimes dim for no apparent reason. This phenomenon is attributed to the presence of a ghost that is said to still inhabit the building.

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