New York City's Major Theater District (05:15)

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The Great White Way refers to the lights on Broadway. Eubie Blake, the first African American performer, debuts in 1921 in "Shuffle Along." Highly profitable Black productions include "The Wiz" and "Eubie."

History of Black Broadway (06:34)

Tony Brown traces African-American theater from its inception to "Eubie." Bert Williams and George Walker break the color barrier on Broadway with "In Dahomey." Eubie Blake performs "Memories of You" and "Betty Washboard."

"The Wiz" (10:13)

"The Wiz" garners over seven Tony Awards and has grossed $25 million dollars in ticket sales. "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is one of the great American fairy tales and explores finding one's identity. Melvin van Peebles, Ken Harper, and Harold Wheeler discuss the musical's impact and universal appeal.

Credits: The Big Black Boom on the Great White Way (00:42)

Credits: The Big Black Boom on the Great White Way