CLEVELAND — Karamu House has a long history of hosting prominent performers, including opera singer, actress, educator and philanthropist Zelma Watson George.

What You Need To Know

  • Zelma Watson George, who was born in 1903, is often regarded as a trailblazer in Cleveland’s Black history; earning recognition for her achievements in the arts, philanthropy, education, and foreign diplomacy – among other fields

  • During her lifetime, Watson George participated in several community groups, including the Cleveland Civil Service Commission, Karamu House, Cleveland Job Corps Center for Women and Cuyahoga Community College, according to the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History

  • Her legacy expands across Cleveland, from the local recreation center that bears her name to Karamu House, where Watson George broke barriers by performing on stage

“So Zelma George was an incredible opera singer here in Cleveland in 1949,” Tony Sias said.

Sias is the president and CEO of Karamu House in Cleveland – the oldest producing Black theater in the country. This Black History Month, and all other parts of the year, Sias said they’re inviting the community to learn more about the playhouse’s past. The theatre is shining a spotlight on Watson George in particular, who made history by assuming the title role in Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Medium.”

“In that role was the first time a Black woman had been in that role,” Sias said. “Because the role, per se, was not written for a Black person.”

Zelma Watson George and Martin Luther King Jr. visit Karamu House in September of 1963.
Zelma Watson George and Martin Luther King Jr. visit Karamu House in September of 1963. (Courtesy Karamu House)

Outside of singing and acting, Watson George is also know for her work as an educator, activist and U.S. ambassador. She also participated in and led several boards and organization across Cleveland.

Altogether, her activity in the community earned her a unique honor with her name on permanent display at the Zelma George Recreation Center, which opened three years after her death in 1997.

“I am 100 years old. My birthday is February 26, 1924,” Annie Banks said.

Banks is a longtime member of the center, keeping fit with the company of her niece, Terry Bradley.

Bradley said her aunt purchased a home in Cleveland 50 years ago, when Watson was well-known in the community.

“She's been exercising a long time, so, I would say the past 20 years, she probably has been exercising [here],” Bradley said.

Zelma Watson George introduces Rubi Dee before hosting a joint lecture and Q&A session. (Courtesy Karamu House)

Throughout the years, she said she’s witnessed the center unite people from nearby neighborhoods.

“You actually enjoy being here. You love this community. [You’ve] Been here a long time,” Bradley said.

Whether it's in public service, politics or performance, Sias said Watson George’s legacy lives on.

“We keep a presence of Miss George because not only was she an artist but she was an educator, a social worker, an activist and a US ambassador,” Sias said. “Which is worthy of her ongoing celebration in this institution.”