Historic Plaque to be Placed at the Ritz Theatre

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact:  Christian Hamilton, 706.898.5777

RE: Historic Plaque Ceremony, Historic Ritz Theatre, July 2^nd, 2020

TOCCOA, GA – Main Street Toccoa is pleased to announce that an historic plaque will be placed at the Historic Ritz Theatre in recognition of the history of the Civil Rights movement and its efforts in Toccoa. This plaque will be placed on Thursday, July 2^nd, 2020 at 5pm.

The Historic Ritz Theatre was constructed in 1939 and, from its early years, was a segregated facility. White patrons were seated in the main auditorium, while black patrons were seated in the balcony. With the advent of the Civil Rights movement and the nationwide call for desegregation, the Historic Ritz Theatre became integrated. This plaque celebrates the “Struggle for Equal Rights” and the axiom that we as Toccoans are stronger together than when we are separated.

The plaque dedication will be held in the parking lot immediately adjacent to the Historic Ritz Theatre at 5pm. Tents will be set up, and social distancing is encouraged. The event will be livestreamed on the Main Street Toccoa Facebook page for those unable to attend. The dedication ceremony is co-sponsored by the Toccoa Improvement Association.

The Main Street Office is happy to answer any questions regarding the City of Toccoa’s Historic Plaque Program. Please contact Christian Hamilton at 706.898.5777 for inquiries.

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