Jackie Taylor (Finding Aid)

Jackie Taylor

1951 -

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite Food: Spinach Salad

Favorite Time of Year: Winter

Favorite Vacation Spot: Las Vegas

Interview Length: 110 minutes

Interview Date(s): May 28, 2002

Interview Location(s): The HistoryMakers, Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Jackie Taylor talks about her parents' origins and her struggles with growing up with an alcoholic father and a mother who was continually frustrated and disappointed with her station in life. She then talks fondly about her aunt who served as a role model and whom Taylor turned to for guidance when her situation at home became difficult. Taylor then recalls earlier, happier memories from her childhood prior to her family's move to the Cabrini Green public housing project in Chicago. She shares stories about growing up in Cabrini Green and using her creative talents to avoid getting into fights. Lastly, Taylor talks about her educational experiences in the Catholic school system. Jackie Taylor recalls the two adults who served as her mentors as a child and led her to her current career path in the dramatic arts. She continues to talk fondly of Sister Celestine, a teacher at her Catholic grade school in Chicago. Taylor then details how Sister Celestine went so far as to help her choose a high school that would continue to nurture her acting talents. She then shares her experiences in high school and drama school at Loyola University. Jackie Taylor talks about her activities with Free Street, a traveling company that performs in troubled urban areas like the Cabrini-Green housing project where she spent her childhood. She then recalls the career choices she made attempting to juggle acting with marriage and motherhood. Lastly, Taylor details how she landed the supporting role in the cult movie classic, 'Cooley High'. Jackie Taylor talks about the founding of Black Ensemble Theater and the difficulties she experienced in getting funding and producing her first performance. She then talks briefly about her other movie roles she took in order to finance the continued success of the Black Ensemble Theater. Taylor details the Theater's various venues and its uniqueness in being a thriving black theater companies on Chicago's North Side. Lastly Taylor talks about her other activities in the performing arts and the subject matter she chooses for the Black Ensemble Theater's to perform. Jackie Taylor details how she researches for her productions for the Black Ensemble Theater. She then describes the working relationship she has with her Musical Director, Jimmy Tillman. Taylor then talks about how she would like to be remembered, and talks about how she also uses all-black casts in classic plays to break down racial barriers in the theater. She then shares her thoughts on whether her parents would be proud of the accomplishments in her career. Lastly, Taylor describes photos of her family and career she provided.

56 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)