Director of Black Stories Black Voices relishes his first IBTF experience
By Judie Holcomb-Pack
Terrance Jackson, a first-time attendee to the International Black Theatre Festival, didn’t know quite what to expect when he arrived in Winston-Salem from Abingdon, Virginia. Terrance is the director of outreach and Black Stories Black Voices at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon.
It didn’t take him long to scan the many offerings and choose several workshops to attend. He also worked into his packed schedule the productions “From Birmingham to Broadway/Float Like a Butterfly” by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, “Love Warrior” and “A Taste of Soul” before returning to Abingdon.
Jackson, who is also an actor, was recently honored by the 400 Years of African American History Commission, recognizing his contributions to the arts and his dedication to portraying the richness and diversity of African American history and culture on and off the stage. The prestigious award was presented to Jackson on Thursday, Aug. 8, before the performance of “The Shawshank Redemption” at the Barter. His work with the Black Stories Black Voices, which began as an initiative to bring more diversity to the Southwest Virginia theatre’s audiences, has been inspirational in telling the stories of African Americans in Appalachia.
According to their website, “The 400 Years of African American History Commission develops and facilitates activities throughout the United States, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619. We recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African Americans from that seminal moment forward, while simultaneously acknowledging the painful impact of slavery, racial discrimination, and racism on our Nation.” The commission recognizes leaders in their communities through their 400 Distinguished awards and their grant programs.
The murder of George Floyd in May 2020, a Black man killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, brought many arts organizations to the realization that they needed to start telling more diverse stories. The Barter created the Black Stories Black Voices program as a way to encourage a more diverse audience, as well as to recognize the talents of Black playwrights who were telling those stories and to introduce more Black actors to the Barter stage. Jackson was named director for the initiative. He also acts in Barter’s productions during the year.
Catching up with him at the Festival, Jackson commented on receiving the 400 Years award. “I’m extremely honored to be receiving such a prestigious award and I thank Ron Carson (founder of the Appalachian African-American Cultural Center in Pennington Gap, Virginia,) and the entire 400 Years of African American History Commission for seeing the importance and value in my work at Barter Theatre. This is a win not only for me, but for Black Theatre and Black Theatre in Appalachia. I hope the incredible stories of Black people in our region continue to be highlighted and to be platformed on the largest of stages.”
Jackson said he will be busy with projects this fall. “Up next for BSBV will be a staged reading of a new work in October and preparing for our 4th annual ‘SHINE: Illuminating Black Stories’ in early 2025.”
To learn more about Barter Theatre’s Black Stories Black Voices and how to submit to the playwriting and monologue competition, visit https://bartertheatre.com/black-stories-black-voices/#resources.
