South Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Florence Mills Theatre
Historic Central Avenue Jazz Corridor
| | 3511 Central Avenue | |
Photographed by Craig Baker, July 4, 2023
1. Florence Mills Theatre Marker
Florence Mills (born Florence Winfrey; January 25, 1896-November 1, 1927), billed as the "Queen of Happiness", she was an American cabaret singer, dancer and comedian known for her effervescent stage presence and delicate voice. The wide-eyed beauty reigned over the 1920's as one of the most popular African American performers of the Jazz Age.
Mills frequently traveled to Los Angeles from Harlem to perform at various theatres on Central Avenue like the Globe Theatre which once stood on the site of Florence Mills Apartments. She was also a passionate advocate for equal rights and received wide acclaim for her song "I'm a little Blackbird" which was a plea for racial equality.
In 1936, the Globe Theatre built in 1912 was renamed the Florence Mills Theatre until it was demolished in March 2013.
Erected by City of Los Angeles.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is January 25, 1936.
Location. 34° 0.686′ N, 118° 15.398′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in South Los Angeles. It is at the intersection of Central Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard, on the right when traveling south on Central Avenue
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Regionally, this marker is in California’s Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Elks Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Angelus Funeral Home (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); African American Firefighters (about 300 feet away); Ralph J. Bunche (about 500 feet away); California Eagle Building (about 600 feet away); California Eagle (about 800 feet away); Black Panthers in L.A. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ralph Bunche Home (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.
Photographed by Craig Baker, July 4, 2023
2. Florence Mills Theatre Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 558 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 6, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
