The Fort Greene Park Conservancy offers Black History and Culture Tours of the Fort Greene neighborhood around the park. Last October, I joined one of the tours led by Suzanne Spellen. After an enlightening walk circumnavigating the diverse neighborhoods around the park, we were given a special opportunity to go inside the newly renovated Brooklyn Paramount Theater on the corner of DeKalb and Flatbush Avenues. The theater was opened in 1928 and was especially designed to present sound motion pictures. Early on, it became a popular big band jazz venue, but over the years it transformed into a rock and roll hall, hosting early non-segregated audiences. The theater closed in the early 1960s and was used by the University of Long Island for basketball. Now, it’s been returned to its former grandure and positively glows. I can’t wait to see a show there!
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