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State Journal-Register In segregated Springfield, the Pekin Theatre was the only movie house that not only catered specifically to African-Americans, but was managed by African-Americans as well. The Pekin was at 811-15 E. Washington St., in the heart of Springfield’s African-American shopping and entertainment district. The Pekin opened on Dec. 1, 1914. Opening announcements made no suggestion that the theater wanted to appeal mainly to African-Americans. But, in what may have been understood as code, an announcement in the Illinois State Journal emphasized that “the management will … guarantee the best of treatment, and will appreciate the patronage of one and all.” ....