Beyond The Chitlin Circuit


Before the Apollo, the Beacon, and the Regal, there was The Howard. At the time of opening its doors in 1910, it was the largest colored theatre in the world. The Howard Theatre was more than a theatre back then and is once more a place of prominence were generations will enjoy the legacy and pride of Black Entertainment. The Howard Theatre was the pentacle place to perform from the 30’s through the 50’s, for those who worked their way up the Chitin Circuit, (Public Domain Photos).

James T. @ the Howard Theater

Black Actors, Actresses, and Icons of Black Broadway U Street

CULTURAL LEGENDS

Harry Belafonte shares a moment with Barrington Scott
(Public Domain Photo)

Actress Tyra Hughes with
Motown Records Founder Barry Gordy

TYRA HUGHES

Is a phenomenal award winning actress, playwright, producer, comedian, and poet to name a few. ‘Oscar’ movie ‘Ray’ starring Jamie Foxx was blessed with Tyra’s fashion gift as their Costume designer award winner Sharon Davis’ Costume Seamstress also for award winning movie ‘Drumline’ starring Nick Cannon. Tyra was recently nominated for a comedy award at the 2021 5th Hollywood African Prestigious Awards aka HAPAwards.
Currently adding Author to her name with her new book ‘ Soulmate Or Sexmate’. Tyra has a rare, vital, and important theatrical and speaking voice that has blessed millions.

With Tyra’s strong and seasoned acting skills and remarkable resemblance to the legendary star, Eartha Kitt, she made history in 2015 as Dillard University’s first alum in the entire 80 years of HBCU’s theatre program history to return with a professional show, Dillard being the first HBCU to begin a theater program. Tyra’s one woman show, ‘Eartha Kitt: UnAuthorized Confessions of a Sex Kitten’ written and produced by Tyra, tells the life and times of ‘MsKitt’ through Tyra’s voice and embodiment.
Dillard being the first HBCU to begin a theater program.

Tyra, U S Air Force veteran and New Orleans native, has achieved and received many accolades and awards, including the U S Air Force magazine’s ‘Airman On The Rise’, as well as Outstanding and Distinguished Airman, Louisiana’s ‘Gambit: 40 Under 40 Worthy Of Distinguish, Data News’s Weekly ‘Trailblazer’, Multiple 1st place trophies at the National Association of Speech and Dramatic Arts Competitions and many more.

From B E T’s Comicview stage to Comedy Central’s ‘t v show ‘Chocolate News’ alongside legend David Allen Grier, to the award winning WT30’s national syndicated radio show segment ‘Tyra’s Trash’ she is definitely a force to be reckoned with whether comedy or drama.

Check out her YouTube channel under ‘Tyra Hughes Acting Reel’ and enjoy some of her amazing work in movies, tv, comedy and more. Whether comedy or drama she will bring you from laughter to tears and back in any given genre.

Eartha Kitt and the One Woman Show


BILLY ECKSTINE (Public Domain Photo)	DUKE ELLINGTON (Public Domain Photo)

SARAH VAUGHAN (Public Domain Photo)	SARAH VAUGHAN (Public Domain Photo)