A License Plate to Laugh
For me, the funny-gauge for the end was in the opening. The audience needed to relax and adjust to the unique voice patterns before they came rapid-fire in the climax. Craig wrote “Rev. Jesse’s” opening to be improvised for the local schools. A rhyme based on a mascot or well-known establishment. But among eclectic audiences at a district- or statewide training, local references could be too much of an inside joke. A broader reference was needed. Though improvised, it was comforting for me to know what tickled the common funny bone before stepping on stage. This was the dilemma when we had a show in Downstate Illinois for a HUGE crowd.
“Rev. Jesse’s” sole prop was a folded script he’d pull from a pocket. The guise of making a speech. I often jotted my “improvised” couplet in the margins. As I pulled the speech from my pocket, I knew I had no witticism prompt. Nevertheless, I greeted the audience as scripted (with my phonetic Jesseism embellishments):
“It is indeeeeed a pleash-AH
“to address whoa-man and each mannn
“who holds our nation’s fu-CHAH
“in yore hannnnnns’
Here in….”
What rhymes with “Illinois…?”
A vision came I scarce noticed when we walked through the parking lot. License plates.
“In the land of Lincoln.”
Then came the Be-in-the-Moment Rule of Improv: when something comes out of your mouth unexpectedly, don’t apologize, just listen and, from the character perspective, go. Jesse, speak to me!
“Lincoln…”
Finally, Craig’s guffaw the first time we combine Shirley Ellis and Dr Suess:
“Bo-bincoln.”
Audience titters.
“Bananna-fanna-fo-fincoln.”
Build on it!
“Fi-fi-fo Fincoln!”
The full Jesse! EVERYBODY! LET ME HEAR YA!
The entire crowd shouts back:
“LINCOLN!”
Script aside, crowd loosened, we delved into whatever the deep issues facing the school system locally, nationally.
“The Name Game” was a staple whenever we played an Illinois school for the next few years. It was a sad time when we retired the show a couple of seasons later. The show ended, but “Rev. Jesse” lived on…if not the character, the character’s spirit. Did it always work? The question is moot.
The essence of “Rev. Jesse,” emanating from Jesse Jackson, has embodied other characters I’ve created since then. The impersonations are technique. The essence is compassion. This comes from listening to the audience and enabling them to believe. In themselves. To hope an advocate hears and acts.
Jesse Becomes History
The importance of Lincoln’s birthday is a story I sat down to write when I began. Knowing why the birthday was important to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the “father of Black history,” is imperative for all who contend Black History Month is in February only “because it’s the shortest month.” I’ll finish that idea in another post.
For now, let us ponder that Rev. Jesse Jackson’s death during this milestone anniversary gives pause. Now that Jesse has become history, how does his story impact future history?
In effect, Rev. Jackson’s passing reflects the end of the generation of visible leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Yet, it ought not denote the end of that movement nor the visions of those who belong to ages before. That movement is the connection between Lincoln, Woodson and Jackson. Each brought light to an America darkened by racial animus, political preference and identity indifference. A darkness that shrouds America anew.
The connection is hope.
The hope is that from our darkness that there are
some bodies
who step into Jesse’s jetstream to connect
the boldness of Lincoln
the dreams of Woodson
the resilience of his parents
the somebodies of Borders
the truth with Jacksonian humor
to uplift all Americans to be somebody.
Don’t sit ’round, whine and mope.
Live your faith in acts of hope!
Keep Jesse Alive!
Keep Jesse Alive!
Keep Jesse Alive!
Black History: A Personal Journey 
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