Dr. David Shabazz explores a Lexington landmark’s role in Black cultural memory and community life

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Research into how a Lexington theatre helped shape Black community identity has earned Kentucky State University’s Dr. David L. Shabazz the Top Overall Paper Award at the 95th annual Kentucky Communication Association conference.

The honor recognizes the paper judged to make the strongest contribution to the communication field among those submitted to the annual conference. Selection considers the research question, methods, findings, and implications for future scholarship.

An associate professor of communication, Dr. Shabazz presented “Rhetorical Space, Cultural Memory and Black Representation at Lexington, Kentucky’s Lyric Theatre” during the Sept. 11–12 gathering at Murray State University. This year’s theme was “Telling Kentucky Stories: Rhetoric, Identity, and Place.”

His research traces the Lyric Theatre’s evolution from a cultural hub in Lexington’s East End through its closure during desegregation and eventual reopening. Opened in 1948, the theatre closed in 1963 and returned as the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center in 2010.

“The Lyric was a staple in Lexington’s East End, which helped shape identity as well as foster a strong sense of community among the residents,” Dr. Shabazz said.

A stop on the Chitlin Circuit, the Lyric belonged to a network of venues that provided stages for Black entertainers during segregation. Dr. Shabazz’s study also considers the theatre’s role beyond entertainment.

“The theatre’s importance to the community was underestimated until it was closed,” he said. “But it was also a community center that provided representation in education, the arts, politics, and all phases of life.”

Earlier honors from the association include its 2018 Overall Top Paper Award and its 2019 Educator of the Year award.

In August, he also received an Outstanding Book Award from the National Association of Black Journalists for Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions, which documents Black wrestlers who won major world championships in the United States and internationally.

Dr. Shannon Brogan, professor of speech communication and acting chair of Kentucky State’s School of Humanities, said the latest award reflects the significance of his scholarship.

“Dr. Shabazz’s research is a powerful example of how scholarship can preserve cultural memory while helping us better understand the people, places and experiences that have shaped Kentucky communities,” Dr. Brogan said. “His work brings an important story to the forefront and demonstrates the impact of communication scholarship beyond the classroom.”