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and modernization undertaken by a community group called "Friends of the Douglass eatre." 'THIS WAS HOME' Doors reopened in 1997 with parts of the Douglass carefully restored – such as African mask décor and artful trimmings featuring broken chains of slavery – while others were completely redone. A portion of old seating space was converted to a modern lobby. New seats were fitted and heating and air-conditioning installed. Modern projection and sound systems were put in with even more modern digital upgrades coming later. Today, the Douglass operates under an active board wanting it used in meaningful ways for the whole community and for its historic memories to be preserved. ere's now no place for limiting who can or can't attend a steady stream of young performers, singers, musicians, plays, movies, comedians or rent space for parties and events. Within, the Douglass hosts the Macon Film Guild's monthly features and documentaries, is a venue of the Macon Film Festival and, with the Central Georgia Opera Guild, has presented live broadcasts from the New York Metropolitan Opera. Gina Ward, director of the Douglass, said she's often asked if the Douglass has ghosts like other historic theaters. She answers no, she's never experienced ghosts, but memories are everywhere. "If memories are ghosts," she said, "then the place is full of nice ghosts." Standing for the whole Macon community now, the Douglass and its creator remain cherished icons for the black community. "What Charles Douglass did, and why this place is so important, is that when it was much needed he built a place that said, 'is is your place, a place you can sit down, relax, enjoy the show and forget about the troubles of the environment you're in and things you have to deal with to survive,'" Muhammad said. "at was one of the great, great accomplishments Mr. Douglass made. ... e Douglass was a jewel to the black community. ere's no other theater like it. is was home." Celebrate the good life & great stories Contact us: HELLO@MACONMAGAZINE.COM OR CALL (478) 746-7779 SUBSCRIBE ONLINE MACONMAGAZINE.COM JUNE/JULY 2020 | maconmagazine.com 47