WALKING BY FAITH:

AN AFRO-AMERICAN

TRILOGY

Revised Edition

A Dramatic Trilogy Celebrating

Afro-American Accomplishments

BY

ZERETHA JENKINS

CONVERSATIONS WITH

HISTORY

CHARACTERS

ALEXIS:

High School Junior & top candidate as valedictorian

ANDREW:                  

High School Junior who is a good friend of Alexis

MS. LINDEN:

Alexis's English class teacher, 20s - 30s

VERONICA:                                                                               

 One of Alexis's classmates

DR. CARTER            G. WOODSON:

Outstanding writer and historian

WILMA RUDOLPH:    

Track and Field star who was an Olympic Gold Medallist

ADAM CLAYTON POWELL, JR.:           

Legendary minister, Congressman, and Civil Rights Leader

MAHALIA JACKSON:

Queen of Gospel Music

SIDES – Characters: ALEXIS & ANDREW

SETTING:                            Present.  High School.  Student Government Room near the close of the school day.  At CENTER STAGE is a table with many books and some notebooks on top of it.  ALEXIS, the potential Junior class valedictorian, is sitting at the table with her head buried in books.  She stares blankly straight ahead into space.  In walks ANDREW from STAGE RIGHT & notices her.  He tries to get her attention but ALEXIS appears to be in a trance & still doesn’t see him. He leans over ALEXIS’ shoulder & is really close to her face.

ANDREW:                (In a rather loud but playful voice)

YES, ALEXIS!    I'll MARRY YOU!

(He then puckers his lips in a very exaggerated way as though expecting a kiss)

(ALEXIS as well as everyone else in earshot is startled.  Everyone present stops doing what they're doing and turn to observe ALEXIS and ANDREW.  ALEXIS is highly embarrassed and momentarily covers her face with her hands.  Eventually the others return to what they were originally doing.)

ALEXIS:                Andrew, what are you doing?

ANDREW:            (Still leaning near her with a big smile on his face) Just trying to get a beautiful lady's attention!

ALEXIS:                Well, you've definitely achieved that!

(Both laugh.)

ALEXIS:                (Pointing toward chair to her right) Here, sit down.

ANDREW:            Thanks. (Pulls chair back and sits) Are you all right?   You look like you were lost in space or something!

ALEXIS:                 I don't know what I'm going to do, Andrew.

ANDREW:                About what?

ALEXIS:                This -- (Hands ANDREW her assignment pad that's open to her English assignment)

ANDREW:            (Reads assignment silently and then appears stunned) What's this?

ALEXIS:                My assignment for English class.

ANDREW:                Who’s the teacher?

ALEXIS:                None other than the Ms. Eleanor Linden.

ANDREW:            (With big smile on his face as he places his hand over his heart) You mean the gorgeous Perfect 10+?!

ALEXIS:                (Sighs loudly then playfully glares at ANDREW) Well ... it just so happens that that gorgeous Perfect 10+ doesn't have a clue as to who she is, where she came from, or where she's going.

ANDREW:            (Gets up) Now I can help her with the third one! (Stretches out his arms, starts swaying, and then romantically begins beckoning as he tries to hum or maybe even "sing" his next line) Just come on my way, Ms. Lin-DEN.  Come right into my arms.

(ALEXIS glares at ANDREW and shakes her head as he continues in his fantasy world by acting as though he were slow dragging with Ms. Linden in his arms.  The other students looking on are snickering at the sight of ANDREW.  One girl is laughing so hard that she runs out of the room holding her mouth in an attempt to keep from laughing out aloud.  ANDREW seems shocked by her reaction.)

ALEXIS:                O.K., Mr. "Singing Casanova with heartburn and club feet", you want to take off the dance shoes now?

(ANDREW stops abruptly, embarrassed, as other students laughat him, too.  Quickly he regains his composure, nervously clears his throat and then walks back over to the right side of the table.)

ALEXIS:                (Very deadpan as she reaches out and touches ANDREW'S hand.) Andrew, have you had ample time to make an absolute fool of yourself?  Or do you need a little more time?

(Other students burst into more laughter.  ANDREW sighs loudly.)

ALEXIS

(cont'd.):                I'm only asking 'cause I wouldn't want to rush you -- if -- you needed more time.

ANDREW:            Ha! Ha! Ha! (Pulls chair back, quickly sits then answers sarcastically) Girl, you are just too funny!  Looks like you missed your calling as a comedienne.

(ALEXIS is trying to keep from laughing out aloud.)

ANDREW

(cont'd.):                Yo ... it's like -- (Using exaggerated hand gestures) I was trying to cheer you up.  And, ah, you're in tears laughing at me.  Man!

ALEXIS:                (Playing along with ANDREW'S game)

Oh...that's what you were trying to do?!

ANDREW:            (Hesitates then nervously answers) Ah...  yeah?  I-I mean -- yeah!  That's exactly what I was doing. (Smiles slyly) But you have to admit --when you're as lovely as Ms. Linden, do you really need to know all that jazz about where you've been and where you're going?

ALEXIS:                Andrew, I'm really surprised at you.  Don't you see that that way of thinking is exactly the problem?  Too many of us don't have an inkling as to who we really are.  And what's sadder than that is that we don't seem to care either.

ANDREW:            C’mon, Lexis.  Lighten up.  You too young to be this deep in this political stuff!

ALEXIS:                Young?  Andy, in less that two years, we'll be adults.  When do you suggest we start getting serious about the world and issues that directly affect us and particularly our race?  Huh?

ANDREW:            Hey, look.  All I'm saying is I don't want to get sucked into this political thang till ... till ... well, till my late 20s or even '30s. (Brief silence as ALEXIS takes a deep breath and tries to "digest" ANDREW'S last remark)

ALEXIS:                (Emphatically) The point is, Andrew -- that Ms. Linden wants us to write an essay on this topic: Focus On The Future ... Bury The Past.

ANDREW:                What?                         

ALEXIS:                Her stance is that the past or one's history -- is a cancelled check.  And, therefore, not relevant to one's future.   She even went so far as to say that the past should be forgotten!

SIDES – Characters: CARTER/WILMA/ADAM/MAHALIA

SETTING:                            Next day.  MS. LINDEN’S classroom.  UPSTAGE CENTER is the podium, which faces the audience.  On each side of the podium are about 6 – 8 desks angled diagonally toward the podium.  The classroom is decorated in a typical fashion, which includes a chalkboard, globe, books of classic plays, novels, short story collections, etc.  ALEXIS is sitting on the right hand side of the classroom and behind her are 4 people dressed in costumes from various eras.  On the other side of classroom are 4 – 8 additional students.  VERONICA, one of ALEXIS’S classmates, is at the podium giving the final part of her essay at the opening of this scene.

VERONICA:          And these are my reasons why we as a race must move forward into the future -- minus the past and all "baggage" affiliated with it. Thank you.

(Gathers her papers and returns to her seat as her fellow classmates and MS.  LINDEN applaud.  MS. LINDEN then steps behind the podium.)

MS. LINDEN:          Thank you, Veronica.  That was excellent.

(Some of the students look at each other and chuckle under their breath in disagreement

with MS.  LINDEN'S statement.)

                                (Looks briefly at her watch) Well, class, we have only about 10 minutes and time for maybe one more essay.  But first I'd like to -- let's see -- (Shuffles through papers on podium and finds Memorandum

from the Drama Coach) Ah, yes, here it is.  Class, I'd like to acknowledge our guests.  (Looks in direction of 4 people dressed in costumes in back of room) Let's see, according to this memo I received from Mr. Fredricks, our Drama Coach, we'd be having some guests who'd like to do a little presentation since it's Black History Month.  Please (To 4 GUESTS in costumes) -- come now with your presentation.

(The 4 GUESTS arise as does ALEXIS and come before the class.  MS. LINDEN is shocked to see ALEXIS accompany the group and shows mild disapproval but says nothing.)

ALEXIS:                (Behind podium)

To help do justice to this topic that we're faced with, four members of the Drama Club have decided to help me present the necessity to respect our past yet not dwell on it and certainly not bury it either.

(ALEXIS'S classmates look at one another, some smiling in agreement with ALEXIS while others are clearly uneasy and glance at MS.  LINDEN, who glares briefly at ALEXIS.)

MS. LINDEN: Alexis, please move on.  We have only about

10 minutes. (The students, surprised by

MS. LINDEN'S abrupt interruption, glance at                her uneasily.)

ALEXIS:                Without further adieu --

(Steps away from the podium as first GUEST, DR. CARTER G. WOODSON, steps to  podium.)

DR. CARTER G. WOODSON:

Fellow Sisters and Brothers, I am the definitive    Dr. Carter G. Woodson, writer and historian. Never ever let anyone sever your bloodline with your past.  After having received my doctoral degree in 1912 from Harvard University, I never stopped being educated and educating.  My life-long goal was that of unveiling the ignorance of all people by revealing to the world numerous

DR. CARTER G. WOODSON (cont’d):

historical facts about our people that had been deliberately erased from the history of the United States.  This is why I published my much needed and most popular book, THE MIS-EDUCATION OF THE NEGRO.  In fact, it was my organization, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which in 1926, established National Negro History Week. It's now such a blessing to see its evolution into Black History Month.  I now challenge you to expand beyond that accomplishment until we achieve equal

representation of our history not one month of the year but all twelve months of the year -- from this time forth.  Thank you.

(DR.  WOODSON returns to his seat as every one applauds

-- even MS.  LINDEN but who does so reluctantly. 

GUEST NO. 2 -- WILMA RUDOLPH -- approaches the podium.)

WILMA RUDOLPH:

Some call me Wilma Rudolph and have dubbed me the World's Fastest Woman when I won these -- (Pointing to the medals around her neck) -- three Gold Medals in the 1960 Olympics.  But I must concede that that's not my greatest accomplishment.  My greatest accomplishment has been perseverance.  I have fought the odds all of my life.  As a child I was afflicted with polio and scarlet fever and as a result, had to wear a leg brace till age 12.  But my real struggles started at birth when I was born Black but proud and female.  I believe in defying the odds even when racism would have me believe I couldn't achieve because of my color and when sexism tried to hold me back at every turn.  I said boldly unloose these shackles for this Black woman is gonna make her race proud of her someday.  And I did...through perseverance... through faith in God ... through knowing the struggles of my ancestors and knowing that they, too, persevered.  Yes some call me Wilma and that's just fine.  But Perseverance has a nice ring to it, too.

(EVERYONE applauds.  MS. RUDOLPH returns to her seat as the flamboyant ADAM CLAYTON POWELL, JR., approaches the podium.)

ADAM CLAYTON POWELL, JR.:

I don't need an introduction, but (Sarcastically with a chuckle) who am I to break from tradition?

(EVERYONE laughs.)

ADAM CLAYTON POWELL, JR. (cont’d.):

I am the daring, the indomitable

ADAM CLAYTON POWELL, JR.  Oh, I know

you know all about my legacy as a minister,

Congressman, and Civil Rights Activist.  But I want to talk to you not about my career but about that one word that preceded my titles. And that precious word is legacy.  You see, a legacy is, indeed, a priceless gift.  More precious than the rarest of stones. It is that something – those accomplishments -- those stepping stones to the future that pave a solid foundation beneath your feet that enable you, your generation, and generations to follow, the means -- the road map -- by which the next generation can gain knowledge and strength.  A legacy enables future generations to weather the storms which lie ahead.   And our legacies represent the preparatory stage for our race's future.  For without them, we know not from whence we came. We know not who we are.  And we most definitely do not know where we are going.  Let it go on record -- this day -- that I firmly believe that if you leave the face of this earth without leaving behind a legacy for your future brothers and sisters, you have without doubt, failed your race.  Keep the faith, baby.  Keep the faith.

(EVERYONE, except MS.  LINDEN, stands and applauds as they cheer.  ADAM CLAYTON POWELL, JR. returns to his seat.  The fourth and final GUEST -- MAHALIA JACKSON, very spiritually approaches the podium.)

MAHALIA JACKSON:

(As she approaches the podium) Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Praise God in Heaven! (Behind the podium) Woo -- hallelujah!  I feel like having church after that message, Rev. Powell.

(ADAM CLAYTON POWELL, JR. acknowledges MAHALIA'S compliment by nodding his head & waving his hand.)

MAHALIA JACKSON (cont'd.):

Thank you, Jesus.

(MAHALIA then breaks out on one of her songs.  SUGGESTED SONG: SURE DO NEED HIM NOW.  MAHALIA sings a verse  or two, accompanied by all present, who sing the chorus.           MS. LINDEN doesn't sing, but she claps her hands and has been touched by the Holy Spirit and enlightened. The singing dies down in the background, but the music continues as MAHALIA speaks.)

MAHALIA JACKSON (cont'd.):

Young people, I'm here to tell you today that it doesn't matter how connected you are to your past, your present, or your future if God isn't in the picture.  In other words, all your work will be in vain.  These are critical times you're living in.  And although a lot of us are going around here referring to each other as brothers and sisters, it doesn't mean a thing if God is not the Head of your life.  Put Him first, and you can achieve any goals and overcome any obstacles that might try to block your path.  But when troubles try to get you down, don’t give up.  You've got to have the faith to MOVE ON UP A LITTLE HIGHER!

(Some of the students shout for joy while others continue singing SURE DO NEED HIM NOW.)

MAHALIA JACKSON (cont'd.):

Despite the obstacles that block your path ... despite enemies on every side ... MOVE ---

EVERYONE:

(Responding in call and answer fashion as a congregation 'answers' or responds to a minister during a sermon)  Move!

MAHALIA JACKSON (cont'd.):

-- ON UP A LITTLE HIGHER ... when the forces of evil taunt you, harass you...when racism says you are nothing and cannot achieve.... MOVE --

CROWD:               -- ON UP A LITTLE HIGHER!  And some day when you've reached the Promised Land, you'll look back -- Hallelujah! -- and wonder ... and wonder ... Lord, HOW I GOT OVER!

(CROWD cheers again)

MAHALIA JACKSON:

                                GOD   +   FAITH   +   PERSEVERENCE  =

                                WE SHALL OVERCOME!

(CROWD erupts in cheers as MAHALIA leaves the podium and heads toward the back of the room.  The cheering and singing swell as everyone is caught up in the moment.  They don't notice MAHALIA and the others as they quietly depart via the rear of the classroom DOWNSTAGE RIGHT.

MS.  LINDEN then approaches the podium.)

MS. LINDEN:        (Looking about the classroom for the 4 GUESTS) We'd like to thank the 

 members of the Drama Department for their fabulous performances.

(EVERYBODY applauds and begins looking about the room for the 4 assumed actors.)

SIDES – Characters: MS. LINDEN/ALEXIS/ANDREW/VERONICA – P.10

SETTING:                            Next day.  MS. LINDEN’S classroom.  UPSTAGE CENTER is the podium, which faces the audience.  On each side of the podium are about 6 – 8 desks.  ALEXIS is sitting on the right hand side of the classroom and behind her are 4 people dressed in costumes from various eras.  VERONICA, one of ALEXIS’S classmates, is at the podium giving the final part of her essay at the opening of this scene.

VERONICA:          And these are my reasons why we as a race must move forward into the future -- minus the past and all "baggage" affiliated with it. Thank you.

(Gathers her papers and returns to her seat as her fellow classmates and MS.  LINDEN applaud.  MS. LINDEN then steps behind the podium.)

MS. LINDEN:          Thank you, Veronica.  That was excellent.

(Some of the students look at each other and chuckle under their breath in disagreement

with MS.  LINDEN'S statement.)

                                (Looks briefly at her watch) Well, class, we have only about 10 minutes and time for maybe one more essay.  But first I'd like to -- let's see -- (Shuffles through papers on podium and finds Memorandum

from the Drama Coach) Ah, yes, here it is.  Class, I'd like to acknowledge our guests.  (Looks in direction of 4 people dressed in costumes in back of room) Let's see, according to this memo I received from Mr. Fredricks, our Drama Coach, we'd be having some guests who'd like to do a little presentation since it's Black History Month.  Please (To 4 GUESTS in costumes) -- come now with your presentation.

(The 4 GUESTS arise as does ALEXIS and come before the class.  MS. LINDEN is shocked to see ALEXIS accompany the group and shows mild disapproval but says nothing.)

ALEXIS:                (Behind podium)

To help do justice to this topic that we're faced with, four members of the Drama Club have decided to help me present the necessity to respect our past yet not dwell on it and certainly not bury it either.

(ALEXIS'S classmates look at one another, some smiling in agreement with ALEXIS while others are clearly uneasy and glance at MS.  LINDEN, who glares briefly at ALEXIS.)

MS. LINDEN: Alexis, please move on.  We have only about

10 minutes. (The students, surprised by

MS. LINDEN'S abrupt interruption, glance at                her uneasily.)

ALEXIS:                Without further adieu --

(Steps away from the podium as the first GUEST, DR. CARTER G. WOODSON, steps up to the podium.)

DR. CARTER G. WOODSON:

Fellow Sisters and Brothers, I am the definitive    Dr. Carter G. Woodson, writer and historian. Never ever let anyone sever your bloodline with your past.  After having received my doctoral degree in 1912 from Harvard University, I never stopped being educated and educating.  My life-long goal was that of unveiling the ignorance of all people by revealing to the world numerous

Contact Information:

Additional information regarding Zeretha Jenkins’ books & bookings for speaking engagements may be obtained by contacting:

E.F.S. Enterprises

P.O. Box 7605

New York, NY 10116-7605

Tel:   (866) 202-4059

Email:  info@ walkingbyfaithonline.com

www.walkingbyfaithonline.com

www.efs-enterprises.com

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Information:
Zeretha Jenkins                                                                                                                                                      
c/o E.F.S. Enterprises  *  P.O. Box 7605  *  NY, NY 10116-7605  *  Tel:  (212) 283-8899  or Toll Free:   (866) 202-4059
Email:           info@walkingbyfaithonline.com    *   efsenterprises@hotmail.com

Web Sites:   www.walkingbyfaithonline.com     *    www.efs-enterprises.com