The African Grove was founded in New York City in 1820, by a Black immigrant from the Caribbean Islands named William Brown. Originally, it was a place where African-Americans in the city could go for drinks and ice cream and to listen to live music. There were plenty of restaurants like the Grove in the city, but none for Black New Yorkers to attend. One of Brown’s friends, James Hewlett, suggested that Brown hire Black actors to perform at the Grove as well as musicians. By 1821, Brown had created what was known as the African Company, producing plays at the African Grove Theatre.
The African Grove Theatre
The African Grove Theatre
The African Grove Theatre
The African Grove was founded in New York City in 1820, by a Black immigrant from the Caribbean Islands named William Brown. Originally, it was a place where African-Americans in the city could go for drinks and ice cream and to listen to live music. There were plenty of restaurants like the Grove in the city, but none for Black New Yorkers to attend. One of Brown’s friends, James Hewlett, suggested that Brown hire Black actors to perform at the Grove as well as musicians. By 1821, Brown had created what was known as the African Company, producing plays at the African Grove Theatre.