About the play
About the play
Many of today’s college students are unfamiliar with the Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for equal rights in America. “Separate but unequal” has not been a part of their life experience. Given today’s climate, it is important that they understand the legacy.
For those who are familiar with the struggle for equal rights in this country, this production will bring back memories of days gone by—of pain, of strides toward freedom, of a job yet undone.
Old Jake is a warrior from the Civil Rights Movement. His nephew is a successful gospel singer. His nephew and his daughter believe the struggle is over. They say, “We had a Black president—what more do you want?” It’s a new day with new ideas.
Dr. Ernie Wade is a nationally known speaker, educator, and mentor who has been writing and speaking about MLK Jr. for more than 30 years. After spending many years at different institutions of higher education, he was concerned that younger generations, in far too many cases, had knowledge of Black history and the Civil Rights Movement limited to MLK and “I Have a Dream.” Consequently, he wrote this stage play to examine the generational conflict surrounding the Civil Rights Movement. In this production, he speaks to the trials and triumphs of Civil Rights leaders as they traveled the road to freedom and civil rights for all people.
The nephew is quiet; his daughter is not. Both are tired of hearing about Uncle Jake’s struggle.
Old Jake never passes up an opportunity to give them a history lesson. This generational conflict serves to create high emotions. It is an exciting mix of powerful words, important history, and soul-stirring gospel music.