By: Khai Phinney
NABJ JSHOP Reporter
The NABJ JSHOP students visited the Karamu House in Cleveland on Tuesday to learn about the venue’s history and plans for the future.
Karamu, which means a joyful place of gathering, is the oldest Black theater in the world and has been around for over 100 years. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and actress Ruby Dee are just a few legends who have spent time visiting or acting on Karamu’s stage.
The students spoke to Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin about Karamu and the city’s future.
JSHOP students were able to gain insight into the meaning and purpose of the historical theater as it’s undergoing renovation. They’re creating more space in the building by adding a new awning, removing some walls and opening a kitchen inside.
Griffin mentioned the impact made on neighborhoods like Hough, Glenville and the Fairfax community. Griffin described this theater as “rich in culture.”
One of the struggles that Griffin stressed is that not enough youth and mainstream media are covering the parts of Cleveland that are important to Black people.
“We still need journalists to tell our stories,” said Griffin, who represents Ward 6. Due to what he views as a setback, members of the theater and community have been working to increase the neighborhood’s recognition, adding in things like affordable senior housing, grocery stores and even health care.
“I have to advocate for my residents,” Griffin told the students, as he believes a lot of the members in the neighborhoods are lacking necessities. The council president plans to use social media and encourages more Black people to become journalists.
“My dream is to hope that young individuals in the community go back to the future, bring life to the community,” he said.
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