Gainsboro in Roanoke, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Oscar Micheaux
1893-1951
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, May 28, 2017
1. Oscar Micheaux Marker
Inscription.
Oscar Micheaux, renowned leading creator of African American "race films" between 1919 and 1948, produced up to six full-length films in Roanoke between 1922 and 1925. The Strand Theatre housed the Micheaux Film Corporation from 1923 to 1925, while Micheaux lodged across the street at the Hampton Hotel, now the Dumas. Many of Roanoke's black professionals bought stock in Micheaux's corporation and five served on its board of directors including Alfred F. Brooks, who built the Strand. Famous civil rights attorney Oliver W. Hill, Sr., then a student boarding in Roanoke, had a walk-on part in one film.
Oscar Micheaux, renowned leading creator of African American "race films" between 1919 and 1948, produced up to six full-length films in Roanoke between 1922 and 1925. The Strand Theatre housed the Micheaux Film Corporation from 1923 to 1925, while Micheaux lodged across the street at the Hampton Hotel, now the Dumas. Many of Roanoke's black professionals bought stock in Micheaux's corporation and five served on its board of directors including Alfred F. Brooks, who built the Strand. Famous civil rights attorney Oliver W. Hill, Sr., then a student boarding in Roanoke, had a walk-on part in one film.
Erected 2007 by Virginia Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-90.)
Location. 37° 16.475′ N, 79° 56.534′ W. Marker is in Roanoke, Virginia. It is in Gainsboro. Marker is at the intersection of Henry Street and Loudon Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Henry Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Roanoke VA 24016, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, May 28, 2017
2. Oscar Micheaux Marker
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, May 28, 2017
3. Oscar Micheaux Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2017, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,093 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on May 29, 2017, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
