Jackie Taylor

Jackie Taylor (born 1951) grew up in the Cabrini-Green housing project on Chicago’s Near North Side. She got involved in drama via a Chicago Park District drama teacher. Those drama classes turned out to be life changing for Taylor. After graduating from Loyola University, she acted with The Free Street Theater before going to Hollywood. She landed a big role in the movie Cooley High but grew disenchanted with Hollywood’s exploitation of Black people. Taylor returned to Chicago and started the Black Ensemble Theater, a theater company whose mission is to eradicate racism. In addition to being the BET Founder, Taylor is a playwright, director, producer, educator and singer. She continues to act as well.

Why this stop? The Montrose Brown Line stop is 4 blocks from the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center.

Listen to Jackie Taylor talk about her personal history and work.

Connect — Go see a BET performance. Check out their schedule.

Support the BET by being a volunteer!

Photo courtesy of the Black Ensemble Theater