Ambassador Digital Magazine Editor In Chief Musa Jackson, had an in-depth Q. & A. with the Founding Advisory Committee of Black Broadway Men Organization @blackbroadwaymen. BBM, a non-profit organization utilizing social and educational opportunities to strengthen the bond of healing and unity for all Black men in both the Broadway and theater communities.
ANTHONY WAYNE: Q. Why was it important or necessary to create Black Broadway Men?
A. I believe it was important to create Black Broadway Men because I wanted to find unity and strength with other men in the black theatre community. I also knew that I couldn’t have been the only one to have felt that way. Many of us are always competing against each other and never have the opportunity to share the same stage with another black man because of the racial politics of Broadway. This organization gives us the opportunity to come together, celebrate each other while remembering and honoring those who came before us. We are all we have so having the space to come together with Black Broadway Men is the necessary community that will do great things to change the world.
Q. Have you ever faced discrimination in this business?
A. There was a situation I had with one other black young lady during a show. We were the only two black people in the show so we’re sitting in a corner during a break and just having casual conversation when another caucasian actress came over and said “WHAT’S GOING ON OVER HERE? WHAT ARE YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT OVER HERE? IS THIS THE BLACK CORNER”. We looked at her and told her “No, chile, we’re just talking.” with the stankest eye and attitude. She was looking at us like we were suppose to say something else, but walked away awkwardly as if she felt offended that we didn’t give her what she was expecting. I never went back to her to tell her what she said was not cool in any way, but (as we all do) I gave her the excuse to be that way. I wish I could go back in time so she doesn’t do it to anyone else, but I refuse to let it happen again.
Q. Is the theater a safe and anti-racist environment for BIPOC?
A. I believe the theater has always been a safe environment for BIPOC because we are truly able to just be our artistic selves, however when it comes to anti-racist environments in theater specifically, there are many but we just don’t shine a light to them in fear that we’ll be judged or labeled as the “angry, black ______”. For that, we find ourselves giving people excuses for their ignorance. It’s up to us to educate those who don’t know and truth be told, many don’t know. They think they are being themselves and having fun since we’re all there together for the purpose of the show, but my belief is in America we are free, but not equal. We as Black people have to work twice as hard to take one step forward. That’s one of the hardest lessons I had to learn. Until that changes, we will continue to correct ignorance which will in turn keep things safe for BIPOC not just in theater but across the world.
Q. Do you think the theater is equitable and fair in its acknowledgment to Black Men?
A. I think times are changing slowly, but surely when it comes to Black Men being equitable and fair in theatre. We have a lot more work to do, but it’s up to us to continue doing the work so we can continue to break the ceiling of fairness for ourselves and the many Black Broadway Men to come behind us.
Q. What are a few of the things we can expect from Black Broadway Men?
A. From Black Broadway Men, you can expect a true brotherhood of communication, truly philanthropic work & support for Black Women, LGBTQIA and many other communities in need. We will be the group that will be of service to many while sharing our message of unity. We will provide opportunities for young Black men in theatre with scholarship opportunities and create Big Brother mentoring program that will instill the next generation with the tools they need while applying the tools to ourselves as well. We will be having more Social Series where we can communicate live and have honest conversation on healing, financial literacy and so much more. BBM will be doing a lot over the next few years and I’m grateful to be a part of this incredible bonding organization.
Q. What’s the future of Black Broadway look like to you?
A. The future of Black Broadway looks hopeful, new, different and diverse. So many people are creating now and preparing for things to open. I truly believe there is nothing that we can’t do and with the motivation and knowledge we have now, we are all about creating the opportunity for ourselves if one isn’t provided. We aren’t waiting anymore for someone to give something to us. We are creating the tables. It’s time and Black Broadway Men is right there to guide, support and unite black men of theatre in every way.
JAMES T. LANE:(@jamestlane) Q. Why was it important or necessary to create Black Broadway Men?
A. Anthony Wayne in 2015 and 2016 were having a conversation. We were looking around at a lot of things that were going on in our community. We were seeing friends and friends of friends Black men loosing jobs, dying of drug abuse of just not being supported. So we started to have little outings together. Going to tea, having lunch. And we liked that kind of support and camaraderie. Anthony Wayne has taken it all way with the help of the advisory board. We want to be there for the Black man in theater. Through the ups and the downs. And we want to be accountable for that. It’s so important. We need it especially right now, and in this time.
Q. Have you ever faced discrimination in this business?
A. Outright discrimination in the business? I don’t think so. I think the discrimination happens before I come into the room. And it shows in the parts that even offered towards me. So I’ve taken it upon myself to create the work that I want to do. Right now I have a project called “Triple Threat” that’s going to the Zeeder Theater in Virginia Beach. And it requires all that I have as an artist to do. I think the title says it all. And actually making art that reflects who I am and the spaces and places that have it. That when I look at Broadway I didn’t see that. So I figured let’s create it.
Q. What’s the future of Black Broadway look like to you?
A. The future of Black Broadway I imagine are kids coming from High Schools, colleges. Young Black men and male identifying men going on the internet and seeing that there is a space and support for them in New York City. That there are people who look like them, who are successful and who are thriving and who come from all different backgrounds. That there is space and place for them in New York City where they can feel supported and loved. I want everyone to know about Black Broadway Men worldwide.
TERENCE ARCHIE: (@terencearchie) Q. Why was it important or necessary to create Black Broadway Men?
A. Its important because theatre, being such a vital component of american artistic expression, needs to recognize and nurture ALL of its parts. BBM sees an opportunity to recognize and meet more of each others particular needs, especially during this critical time of injustice when black males are often targets in the very world from which we draw our creativity. Relatability among black men in a world where not even theatre is safe from institutuional racism, is crucial for our mental, spiritual, a d appreciative creative health?
Q. Is the theater a safe and anti-racist environment for BIPOC?
A. It’s convenient to imagine theater as safe though we aught to humbly admit that we work in an industry often concerned with image. That’s a unique training ground for all of us to hone the skill of “not seeing”. We know how to imagine ourselves before each other, in ways contrary to the reality of the inequality playing out currently in America’s streets. Artists or not, we are all infected to some degree by the scourge of american racism. Theater and various other art forms have the talent of concealing many truths via our use of pretty language, big smiles, and the occasional fancy gala. At any rate BBM hopes to be one of those safe places.
Q. What’s the future of Black Broadway look like to you?
A. As much as Black History is American History, Black Broadway is Broadway. It it’s a real groove and the future should be groovier. Black stories are american stories, not some fetish or abnormality. Broadway will look more like our stories and our crucial perspective as those who have lived the truth of America intensely.
ISAIAH JOSIAH: (@theisaiahjosiah) Q. Why was it important or necessary to create Black Broadway Men?
A. Black Broadway Men is Necessary because without it there is no shelter for black men in theatre. Most performers move to the city alone, leaving their family, and they’re forced to figure it all out. So much of the industry is a competition, especially when it comes to being a minority in the industry and Black Broadway Men is here to provide that support.
Q. Have you ever faced discrimination in this business?
A. Yes! Being young and a black man, most people automatically assume I have nothing to add to the conversation. Whether that’s in a rehearsal room, a production meeting, or even in casual conversation. Being the youngest person on the BBM team, I feel somewhat of a responsibility to advocate for all of the young Black Broadway Men who like me have overlooked. Q. Is the theater a safe and anti-racist environment for BIPOC? A. No, Although I do believe that is changing. We’re having amazing conversations and more importantly, strides are being made to creating a more inclusive environment. Q. Do you think the theater is equitable and fair in its acknowledgment of Black Men? A. The theater community does acknowledge the black man, but it’s only when we fit into their preconceived ideas of what and who we are. There are hundreds of black playwrights and composers who have created work, but it rarely gets produced because it breaks the mold of what they think we can be.Q. What are a few of the things we can expect from Black Broadway Men?A. So many things! We’re currently working on creating events and resources about financial literacy, self-advocacy, health, and wellness. We’re also working on creating a type of mentorship program for young Black Broadway Men. So definitely keep your eyes open for all of that, when it’s announced. Q. What’s the future of Black Broadway look like to you?A. The future of Black Broadway is more than just performers on a stage. The future of Black Broadway is Black producers, more Black playwrights and composers, Black theater owners! We need black casting directors in the audition room, We need universities and conservatories to hire Black instructors! In order for us to not repeat our past, the future of Black Broadway has to be not only diverse but inclusive and that starts with what we do today. ###SIR BROCK WARREN:@only1sirbrockQ. Why was it important or necessary to create Black Broadway Men? A. Although revered for his stature and prowess, the Black man has been stifled by these homogenized views our society and subsequently our industry has placed on him. We want to disrupt those limitations by empowering these men. It is imperative that we continue to create safe spaces for Black men so that we can partner with our communities to bring forth a better, more loving and equal tomorrow. Black Broadway Men is that safe space for us Black men in theater. It is a place where we can heal through sharing our experiences while learning from and supporting each other. Black Broadway Men is brotherhood. Q. Have you ever faced discrimination in this business? A. Our industry is one that is known for its ability to isolate and separate people based on their physicals attributes among other characteristics. Sometimes the lines can be blurred as to what is discrimination and what is not, and I have most certainly faced discrimination. I have been asked to basically make my singing style less “Black” when I wasn’t even adding the stylings that are intrinsic to the music created by my people (by someone who wasn’t Black). It has been assumed that I would be a problem because I was Black in the work place and was treated as such until they got to know and love me and my work ethic. I’ve have been physically searched on a contract in which security touched my private area because I had the same complexion of another group of people from another country who had gotten into trouble (that weren’t even in my industry). To be honest, I could go on and on. Luckily, my optimism and positive self talk has helped me to see pass these occurrences, however, it must stop. Q. Is the theater a safe and anti-racist environment for BIPOC? A. The theater industry hopes to be a safe and anti-racist environment for BIPOC, but that dream has yet to be realized. Now is the time to dig into the needs of BIPOC artists and re-examine how we can affect positive change through our HR practices and working environments. Q. What are a few of the things we can expect from Black Broadway Men?A. You can expect Black Broadway Men to be supportive and resourceful to it’s own. You can also expect to see us spreading love and helping those young Black men coming up within the industry achieve their goals.Q. What’s the future of Black Broadway look like to you?A. The future for Black Broadway looks promising to me. I look forward to seeing more varying works about the Black experience from the voices and creativity of Black people. BLACK BROADWAY MEN: “Every Black Man In Theatre Is A Black Broadway Man”www.BlackBroadwayMen.org[email protected] @blackbroadwaymenFounder & Editor In Chief:Musa Jackson@iammusajacksonCreative Director & Photographer Paul Morejón Studio@paulmorejonBTS: Courtney Douglas @courtneydouglasphotographyPhotographer AssistantRahco Thompson@nycfashionexpert*Black Broadway Men Wardrobe their own.
