In the 1960s, Knoxville’s downtown Gay Street was bustling, adorned with vibrant lights and lively entertainment, painting a scene of a thriving arts district. But amidst the historic Tennessee Theatre’s resounding shows, a stark reality prevailed; African-Americans were barred from entering the venue.
Nestled in the heart of Knoxville, the theater symbolized cultural richness, yet, like many establishments across the United States, it grappled with the harsh truth of segregation. In 1960, Knoxville College students began sit-in movements, marching through stores with segregated lunch counters, marking the beginning of a movement and a persistent struggle. Despite years of negotiations between theater operators and Black civic leaders, desegregation eluded the silver screen.
On July 18, 1960, desegregation triumphed at lunch counters, while movie theaters remained divided. Protests continued at iconic venues in the city such as the Tennessee Theatre and the Bijou, leading to the first arrest on Oct. 9, 1961.