About

Welcome to ground zero for the restoration of Oklahoma City’s only historical, Black theater.

The Jewel Theater was owned and constructed by Hathyel L. James and Percy H. James in July of 1931. The James’ named and theater after their daughter, Jewel. The building was constructed to be 28ft wide and 115ft long. It is located at 904 N.E. 4th St in Oklahoma City. It was fitted with a projection room, Ticket booth, office, workroom, and single stall restrooms on either side of the auditorium.

The Jewel played a significant role in the social activities of people in the community. During segregation, few blacks had a chance to venture out to a mainly white theater in the Oklahoma City. The Jewel served as the heart of entertainment for the black community. It was THE place to watch the latest films without having to sit in an assigned section.

Percy and Hathyel also owned three other Jewel Theaters in Ardmore, Wewoka, and Amarillo, Texas. The James’s were also the owners of Jay-Kola, which was established in 1935 and served as one of the few black owned bottling companies in the southwestern United States. The James’s manufactured several different drinks. In the 1940’s the company sponsored an Oklahoma City Negro baseball team, which was called the Jay-Kola Giants.

The Jewel Theater played a significant role in community activities that extended beyond movies. Various music events, concerts, and plays were performed at The Jewel in addition to films.

It has bee stated that Mr. James, who was from Opelousas, Louisiana, retired for health reasons in 1963, effectively ending the Jewel franchise. Percy James died in Oklahoma City on November 2nd, 1965.

In the late 1960’s, The Jewel Theater in Oklahoma City officially closed its doors. The theater is the only existing historically black theater in Oklahoma City. It sets on an empty block where it was once surrounded by thriving commercial businesses, including shops, restaurants, a grocery store, and blues/jazz clubs.

The Jewel Theater is the only remaining facility from that time still standing; it serves as a historic link to the development of early African American social progress in Oklahoma City.