Wednesday, March 26 | 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Center for Business and Industry, Room C2-28

Join us as we highlight the work of Karen Smyles, WHYY producer, on her documentary about the Uptown Theater, opening in 1929 as a motion picture palace, lauded for its architectural and engineering designs. Later it was popular on the vaudeville circuit and became an important venue on the Chitlin Circuit, second only to NY’s Apollo Theater, and nurtured the careers of many famous African American entertainers. Experience it all with historians, former concertgoers, and performers. The program recently won 2025 Best Documentary from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters. A panel discussion will follow with panelists:

• Karen Smyles, WHYY producer
• Aissia Richardson, Senator Sharif Street's Deputy Chief Staff
• Monifa Young, Director, Gateway to College