Lincoln Motion Picture Company Produces Race Films in Los Angeles

The Lincoln Motion Picture Company, founded by brothers Noble and George P. Johnson in Los Angeles, was one of the earliest Black-owned film production companies, producing race films for Black audiences between 1916 and approximately 1921. Actor Noble Johnson appeared in mainstream Hollywood films while supporting the company, before studio pressure forced him to choose between the two careers. Lincoln's work, alongside Micheaux's, established the infrastructure and audience for Black cinema.