AN AFRO-AMERICAN TRILOGY
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WALKING BY FAITH:
AN AFRO-AMERICAN
TRILOGY
Revised Edition
A Dramatic Trilogy Celebrating
Afro-American Accomplishments
BY
ZERETHA JENKINS
___________________________________________
TRIAL OF THE RACE
CHARACTERS
JACKIE FONTAINE:
Judge, mid to late 40s (may be older)
DELORES (DEE) FLETCHER, M.D.:
Prominent physician, mid to late 40s (may be older)
ALIEN NO. 1:
Extraterrestrial being, age is insignificant
ALIEN NO. 2:
Extraterrestrial being, age is insignificant
HARRIET TUBMAN:
Civil Rights Leader known as the Conductor of the Underground Railroad
DR. RONALD MCNAIR:
Astronaut from the Challenger Space Shuttle
BARBARA JORDAN:
Eloquent outspoken Congresswoman from Texas
FREDERICK DOUGLASS:
Civil Rights Leader who fought to abolish slavery
MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE:
Outstanding educator and leader who established
Bethune-Cookman College
SIDES – Characters: JACKIE & DELORES
SETTING: Present. Small rural town. Shopping mall parking lot. Evening. Two friends, JACKIE and DELORES (DEE), have just left the mall and are walking toward JACKIE’S car on the parking lot. JACKIE is fumbling with her purse as she searches her coat pockets then her purse for her keys.
JACKIE: Well, one thing's for sure. We don't have to search for the car this time, do we?
(Both laugh)
DEE: No m'am. Especially since it's the last one left on the lot.
JACKIE:Oh hush, Dee. You know this is all your fault.
(Still digging for keys in her purse.)
DEE: Excuse me! But did I force you to be out shopping till you dropped -- window-shopping, that is -- till closing time?
JACKIE: (Jokingly) No, no. I have no recollection of this situation being like that.
DEE: Oh, well, I guess it was all my imagination that we were the last customers to leave the mall.
JACKIE: (Playfully sarcastic) Oh, I can't say 'cause I didn't conduct a thorough search of the mall before leaving in order to conclude that we were, in fact, the actual last parties to leave the premises.
DEE: Oh my goodness, Counselor. You can skip the mumbo-jumbo legal logic. We're not in the courtroom, you know.
JACKIE: (Chuckles) I knew you'd concede. And look at that! (Pulls keys from purse) You see, I can find things rather quickly in this suitcase -- when I want -- (Pats her purse)
(Lights on the parking lot blink several times as JACKIE and DEE gasp. The lights come back on briefly. They look at each other then abruptly all lights go out again. Suddenly there's a bright light in the sky that is slowly lowering to the ground. The women are terrified.)
DEE: J-J-Jackie. D-D-Do you see what I see?
(Pause as JACKIE doesn't answer.)
DEE
(cont'd.): (Terrified) Jackie! Jackie?! Are you still here?
JACKIE: The way your fingernails are digging into my arms, do you think I could escape?
DEE: Ooh, I'm so glad! What is that?
JACKIE:I don't know.
DEE: We've got to get away. We've got to run!
JACKIE: You're right. On the count of three, let's run for our lives.
DEE: O.K.
JACKIE: One ... two ... three --- (JACKIE starts to run, but DEE remains frozen in her tracks.) Dee! (As she's jerked back due to Dee's death hold on her arm) What are you doing? Would you come on!
DEE: I-I can't ... (Panicking) I can't -- Jackie, I can't move my feet.
(JACKIE tries frantically to help DEE move but to no avail. DEE gasps as she notices the huge light in front of them has settled on the ground. The light is so bright that they can hardly see.)
DEE: Jackie ... Look!!! (Points to bright light and the images of two beings* approaching them.) Mercy, Jackie. What is that?
JACKIE: Lord, I don't know!
(Both women are terrified and begin to slowly back up.)
DEE: What is it, J-Jackie?
(A green and a red light flash simultaneously about the stage in the direction of JACKIE and DEE, who become mesmerized with fear. The two beings look at each other and begin to slowly approach the women.)
________________________________________________________
SIDES – Characters: JACKIE/DELORES/ALIEN #1/ALIEN #2
SETTING: Stage is blackened except for spotlight on JACKIE & DEE, who sit next to each other. They are emerging from their state of unconsciousness but still are unable to move about.
DEE: Jackie ... Jackie ... where are we?
JACKIE:D-Dee? Dee? (Looks about in disoriented fashion) Dee, wh-where's the car? We've got to go -
DEE: Go where? I don't even know where we --
(Lights go out momentarily. Both women gasp. A deep humming sound can be heard then it stops. Two ALIENS appear as spotlight comes up. JACKIE spots them first.)
JACKIE:Dee -- LOOK!
(DEE slowly turns her head to the left and screams as she spots the ALIENS.)
DEE: Oh, God -- ALIENS! Run!
(Both women try in vain to get up and run as the ALIENS approach and stand on the edge of the light. They stare briefly at the women then at each other. The ALIENS raise their left arms and push their wide waistbands simultaneously.)
ALIEN #1: (Monotone, very calm voice) Silence.
(Both women become silent instantly although they continue to form words with their mouths yet are unable to actually speak. They eventually desert this effort, too.)
ALIEN #1: (To JACKIE and DEE) Earthlings of the imperfect race ...
ALIEN #2: Moors.
(JACKIE and DEE, highly offended, try to defend themselves but are still mute. The ALIENS look at one another and nod. ALIEN #1 touches a series of buttons on his left wristband, which restores speech to the women.)
ALIEN #1: Speak.
JACKIE:Wh ... Wh... (Looks at DEE)
DEE: (To ALIENS) Where are we?
JACKIE:And what did you just say about us?
ALIEN #2: (To ALIEN #1 in undertone) Feisty ... And very emotional.
ALIEN #1: (To ALIEN #2 in undertone) This is typical of this breed. Their emotions exceed their intelligence.
DEE: (To JACKIE) Wait a minute. What did they just say?
JACKIE: (To ALIENS) Look, you big-eyed pale so-and-so's.
DEE: Tell'em, girl.
JACKIE: If by chance, your comments were intended to refer to Afro-Americans, you've been highly misinformed.
ALIEN #2: You are underachievers ... do not ascribe to the principle of a work ethic...your male counterpart is for the most part, incarcerated ... you've engaged repeatedly in immorally over-populating the Earth... and finally at the core of your limited intelligence is an insurmountable defect of inferior genes.
JACKIE: DEE:
(Simultaneously)
What??!!!
JACKIE:Look, I don't know who the --
DEE: (Calmly) Jackie --
JACKIE: (Pauses and regains her composure) Thank you, girl. (To ALIENS) As I was saying, I don't know who you are or what your intentions might be, but --
(ALIENS glance at each other.)
JACKIE
(cont'd.): But you don't know the first thing about Afro-American Earthlings to use your terminology.
DEE: Tell'em, girlfriend!
JACKIE: For your information, these two women (Points to herself and DEE) of African ancestry of alleged 'limited intelligence happen to be Delores K. Fletcher - M.D. --
(DEE nods in acknowledgement.)
JACKIE
(cont'd.): -- and the --
DEE: The Honorable Judge Jacqueline T. Fontaine!
JACKIE: (Nods appreciatively) Why thank you, Dee. The ALIENS stare at each other in amazement.)
ALIEN #1: There are -- as you Earthlings say -- exceptions -- to every rule.
DEE: (To ALIENS) You know, you two "swell-heads" remind me of a group of people on Earth we refer to as racists.
ALIEN #1: That is impossible. Our intelligence is superior to that of even the brightest Earthling. Therefore, no such comparison exists.
JACKIE:I object to that!
ALIEN #1: You can object to nothing-
JACKIE: Oh, yes I can -- as long as I have God as my Guide, truth as my shield, and the history of my people to firmly stand upon. Yes I can.
(The ALIENS move into the darkness and talk among
themselves before returning to the edge of the light.)
ALIEN #1: (Sarcastically) Very well, Judge. Then the burden of proof for your whole race rests on your shoulders.
JACKIE:What?
DEE: What are you talking about? You're the ones who are supposed to be of "superior" intelligence. You should already know of the accomplishments of our race.
ALIEN #2: The fact is no such record of these alleged accomplishments exists.
DEE: I'm not surprised, especially according to statistics, even you Aliens discriminate! I mean, for the most part, you sure don't go out of your way abducting minorities, now do you?
JACKIE: (Snickers then in undertone to DEE)
Talk about universal discrimination!
(Both women chuckle)
ALIEN #2: (Sternly to DEE) If these "accomplishments" exist, prove it.
ALIEN #1: If you do not, you -- being our final two Earthly abductees will have the distinct honor of initiating our plans to immediately remove your kind from the face of your planet.
JACKIE: DEE:
(Simultaneously)
What? Huh?
JACKIE:Are you crazy?
ALIEN #2: Quite the contrary. We have studied your planet, and its human forms for the equivalent of centuries, according to your Earth time. Your people have proven inferior.
ALIEN #1: We will give you a final chance to prove your worthiness. (Touches his right wrist band)
You are free to use any intelligent means of defense.
DEE: Does that include resurrecting the dead?
JACKIE: (In undertone) Dee, what are you talking about?
(The ALIENS consult between themselves.)
ALIEN #1: To reiterate the fact of our superior intelligence --
(JACKIE and DEE sigh loudly and shake their heads in disgust)
ALIEN #1
(cont'd.): --death is but a state of mind among members of the human race. However, in our world, it does not exist.
(JACKIE and DEE look at each other puzzled.)
ALIEN #1
(cont'd.): Should you wish to summon such witnesses on behalf of your defense, consider it done. (Touches several buttons on his right wristband and green lights "dance" about the stage. DEE and JACKIE are frightened.)
ALIEN #2: There's no need to be afraid.
ALIEN #1: But remember ... you can call only 5 witnesses, and your have 10 Earth minutes to present your entire defense.
JACKIE:Ten minutes?
DEE: How do you expect us to --
ALIEN #1: You're wasting time. Good luck -- whatever that means -- and --
(ALIENS begin descending into the darkness.)
JACKIE: Hey, wait a minute. How do you do this? You haven't told us how to actually summon our witnesses -- from the dead.
ALIEN #1: Simply call them. Now rise and begin.
(ALIENS continue backing into the darkness until they're off stage. Immediately the green lights cease and are replaced by a red beam that will act as a sort of Transport Chamber for the deceased witnesses who will be called to testify. The stage then FADES TO BLACK.)
________________________________________________________
SIDES – Characters: HARRIET/RONALD/BARBARA/FREDERICK/MARY
SETTING: JACKIE and DEE are up and about and going over their list of witnesses.
DEE: Well, Counselor... I mean, Judge ... here's our list of witness. (Hands JACKIE the list)
Do your best. We have too much riding on this verdict. Give it your best shot.
(JACKIE nods and takes the list.)
DEE
(cont'd.): And remember, girl. No matter how things turn out, I'll always love you. (Hugs JACKIE while fighting back tears)
JACKIE:I love you, too. (Begins to cry)
ALIEN #1
(OFFSTAGE): You have 9 minutes.
DEE: (Wipes tears from JACKIE'S face) Go 'head, girl. Giv'em -- you know what!
(Both women chuckle.)
JACKIE: Well, since there isn't any time for opening statements, I'll get right down to business. I'd like to call as my first witness none other than our great
JACKIE
(cont'd.): heroine -- the Underground Conductress, Harriet Ross Tubman!
HARRIET TUBMAN:
(Boldly steps into the spotlight then speaks with authority) I am the woman they call Moses. At times I've even been called General Tubman. Born a slave in Dorchester County, Maryland, I overcame my oppression and freed myself at age 13 of the cruel bondage that was heaped on my people. But that was not enough for me. No sir. I made up my mind that no matter what the consequences, I would do all in my power to set my people free. And that's why I became a Conductor. That's right ... of the Underground Railroad -- the only such freedom train of its day. In my lifetime I transported over 300 women, men, and children to freedom. And I never lost a passenger. And you have the nerve to think Black folks don't mount to nothing? Well, (Sarcastically) gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to say that you and anybody else that dares think such dumb things as that must be a fool and nothing less. Now go and analyze that!
(HARRIET turns and fades into the darkness.)
ALIEN #1: ALIEN #2:
(Simultaneously)
Humph! The nerve!
ALIEN #1: (Annoyed) Let's get on with this. Call your next witness.
JACKIE: I present to you laser physicist -- Dr. Ronald McNair.
(DR. MCNAIR steps into the spotlight. He's dressed in his astronaut uniform.)
DR. RONALD MCNAIR: Gentlemen ... Our paths have no doubt crossed -- in orbit, that is.
(Light flickers momentarily as we hear the mumblings of the ALIENS as they react to MCNAIR'S statement. Light then returns to full beam.)
ALIEN #1: Continue.
DR. RONALD MCNAIR:
As an astronaut on board the Challenger space shuttle, in 1984, I was the first to actually execute a runway landing of that shuttle at none other than Kennedy Space Center. This was just one of the firsts I accomplished during my lifetime. On my final Challenger mission, I was responsible for a satellite known as the Spartan-Halley, which was intended to actually track, or monitor, the orbit of -- you guessed it -- Halley's comet. And talking about firsts, put this one in the record books. I was the first ever to give a jazz concert in space to my fellow astronauts. And like Charlie the Bird Parker, my saxophone and I were in “Jazz Heaven”. Now tell me (Snaps fingers) I'm not a heavy brother! (Jubilantly) Well, all right then!
(Spotlight fades. MCNAIR exits.)
JACKIE: Now I'd like to introduce you to one of the most outstanding politicians and greatest speakers of all time -- the Texas attorney – Barbara Jordan.
(We hear BARBARA JORDAN’S footsteps on the blackened stage. Then abruptly the spotlight comes up but not immediately on JORDAN.)
BARBARA JORDAN:
(To the spotlight very serenely) Thank you... I'm over here.
(The spotlight then quickly focuses on MS. JORDAN, who takes a deep breath and then slowly and deliberately exhales majestically as she looks from one corner of the room to the other.)
BARBARA JORDAN:
I have never been one to bite my tongue, or
run from a good fight. My record as a tough Congresswoman attests to that fact. And certainly I have no plans to change any time soon -- or EVER -- for that matter. People frequently think of me as the tough-talking Texan who can back up what she says. And it was that spirit plus my religious
roots -- Baptist, I might add -- that propelled me forward into public office as the first Afro-American female from a Southern state to be elected into the U.S. Congress. And if you think that was an easy feat -- especially in 1966 -- then think again. When I graduated - ah, magna cum laude -- from Texas Southern University, I was well aware of the massive ignorance that was still rampart in America when it came to the topic of my people. But I can stand here today and honestly state that your inexcusable blissful ignorance regarding the extreme intelligence of the Afro-American people is, without doubt, an utter travesty of your alleged extra-terrestrial intellect.
ALIEN #1: (Infuriated, addresses JACKIE)
Call your next witness.
(Spotlight disappears abruptly and rudely from MS. JORDAN.)
BARBARA JORDAN’S VOICE:
(Cool, calm, collected and courteous as she addresses the ALIENS) Likewise -- good evening to you, too -- (Sarcastically) gentlemen.
(We hear MS. JORDAN'S slow stately footsteps as she leaves the stage. They are, indeed, indicative of her refusal to be rushed or brushed aside.)
JACKIE: Thank you, Attorney Jordan. My next witness is none other than the irrepressible abolitionist, orator, and writer – Frederick Douglass.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS:
Born as a slave, I never let that hold me back from getting my education and fighting to abolish injustices, especially those imposed on my people. After educating myself, I used my skills and determination to speak out against those who so casually imposed the disgraceful and immoral injustice of slavery. I boldly declared to all willing and able to hear that I am for any movement whenever there is a good cause to promote, a right to assert, a chain to be broken, a burden to be removed, or a wrong to be redressed. I believe in freedom for all...in the rights of women ... in education for every citizen of this country and throughout the world. I firmly believe in the reform of our penal system. And I do strongly believe in universal peace. I must say with a heavy heart, indeed, that the struggles, which I have endured for human equality, have yet to be resolved. In this day and age, we must be alert to the fact that although the faces of the players in this game of life have changed, don't be deceived -- for the game, indeed, is still the same.
(Spotlight fades quickly from MR. DOUGLASS, plunging him into darkness. He exits.)
ALIEN #2: (To JACKIE and DEE) You have 2 minutes.
DEE: (Whispering to JACKIE) Boy, they're real jerks, aren't they?
JACKIE: (Whispering) And that's putting it very nicely. (To ALIENS) Gentlemen... I present to you the indomitable civil rights activist, educator, and leader – MS. MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE.
Spotlight up on the majestic MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE, who stands proudly at CENTER STAGE.)
MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE:
(Grandly and eloquently) It is truly an honor to be invited here for this most unusual of occasions. As a very determined Afro-American woman who waded through one of the most oppressive eras of this country's history, I never, and I repeat never, gave up the faith. Yes, I was very blessed to have received a formal education, which not only paved the way for my personal achievements, but which allowed me to serve my people in their endless quest for equality and justice. As a people, we must unite and be willing to serve one another in order to forge ahead collectively as a people. I served diligently all of my life in various capacities in order that this cause might come into fruition. I reigned for numerous years as the President, Director, and even in some cases, as Founder of such worthy organizations as: 1) the National Association of Colored Women; 2) the National Council of Negro Women; 3) the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History; and 4) the National Youth Administration's Division of Negro Affairs. I also served proudly as a member of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Federal Council of Negro Affairs. It is my firm belief that no human being should walk the face of this earth and then dare die without leaving a legacy on which future generations can build upon, profit from and farther advance themselves in preparation for the legacy they should some day leave for others. This is why I established Bethune-Cookman College in Florida -- so that my people could actually reap the fruits of my legacy. It is fact that faith coupled with hard work can yield miracles. (Pauses then turns to and addresses JACKIE and DEE) Jacqueline and Delores -- always remember that your diligent efforts to save our race are not in vain. I thank you for your diligent efforts. (Begins backing out of the beam of light and into the darkness)
God bless you both. (Exits)
(The Spotlight flickers & the beam narrows as JACKIE and DEE look at each other in fear. They caress each other.)
________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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