Main Street Toccoa will hold a plaque dedication recognizing Toccoa’s Civil Rights Movement on Thursday at the Historic Ritz Theatre

On Thursday, Main Street Toccoa will unveil a historic plaque at the Historic Ritz Theatre.

The plaque is in recognition of the history of the Civil Rights movement and its efforts in Toccoa.

According to Main Street Manager Christian Hamilton, the plaque will be placed on Thursday, July 2, at 5 p.m.

He says the Historic Ritz Theatre was constructed in 1939 and, from its early years, was a segregated facility.

White patrons were seated in the main auditorium, while black patrons were seated in the balcony.

With the advent of the Civil Rights movement and the nationwide call for desegregation, the Historic Ritz Theatre became integrated.

Hamilton says this plaque will celebrate the “Struggle for Equal Rights” and the axiom that Toccoans are stronger together than when they are separated.

The plaque dedication will be held in the parking lot immediately adjacent to the Historic Ritz Theatre at 5 p.m.

Tents will be set up, and social distancing is encouraged.

The event will be livestreamed on the Main Street Toccoa Facebook page for those unable to attend.

The dedication ceremony is co-sponsored by the Toccoa Improvement Association.

For questions regarding Thursday’s plaque dedication contact Hamilton by calling 706-898-5777.