The Ritz Theatre & LaVilla - 'Harlem of the South'

The Ritz Theatre & Museum in the LaVilla neighborhood served as a central performing arts venue for Jacksonville's African-American community and is part of the area historically nicknamed 'the Harlem of the South' for its concentration of Black-owned theaters, clubs, and entertainers. The restored Ritz now operates as a museum and performance space documenting African-American cultural history in Jacksonville. The LaVilla district's cultural legacy is distinct within the city's history.