The powerful original musical “For The Love of Mahalia” leaves viewers longing for more.
Directed and written by Robert King Jr., the musical captures the life of Mahalia Jackson and her impact on social justice. It showed from September 20 to October 20 in Atlanta, Georgia, which included a two-day encore performance.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mahalia Jackson’s soul’s mission was clear in her music and personal life. She knew freedom included the gospel. Jackson’s spirit was rich and hopeful despite her challenging upbringing, like losing her mother at five.
Throughout the play, King explores the spirit, faith, and tenacity of Freedom Fighters in the Civil Rights Movement.
Southern multi-talented actor Michael Ward starred as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in “For the Love of Mahalia.” Brenda Barnes starred as Mahalia Jackson.
Jackson and Dr. King met at the 1956 National Baptist Convention. Their friendship grew to the point where Dr. King could depend on Jackson through songs, divine messages, and prayer.
The Black Wall Street Times interviewed Ward on his role as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of remembering the dream.
Alignment leading up to “For The Love of Mahalia”
Ward’s passion for the arts began at an early age.
“I auditioned for the theater program at Landon Performing Arts Middle School. While at Landon, my classmates and I were cast as school kids for Safe Harbor, a TV drama that aired on the WB network,” he told the Black Wall Street Times. “That was my first time being on a TV set. I met Orlando Brown of Disney fame and had a quick conversation where he encouraged me to continue acting. I got bit by the bug and I was all in from there.”
Ward starred in “one in two,” “Life After Griffith,” “The One Who Marched,” and other impactful works. While Ward is seasoned in his profession, he admitted to feeling under pressure when he received the good news about, “For The Love of Mahalia.”
“This span of the play covers some of the most emotionally tough times in the civil rights movement like Bloody Sunday and the March on Washington. Thanks to Coretta Scott-King encouraging him to document his life. YouTube has a wealth of his incredible speeches & footage,” Ward shared.
“I protected my peace and took breaks when I watched footage of the marches, sit-ins, and protests. I felt immense anger on one hand but also a sense of wonder at Dr. King’s commitment to nonviolence despite this evil,” he said.
Ward acknowledges all freedom fighters
The untold stories of suppressed freedom fighters continue to make noise. Ward believes that people from all walks of life should be acknowledged for their roles as Freedom Fighters. Queer freedom fighters showed up as integral organizers but did not receive the recognition and necessary protection at the time.
If it was not for Bayard Rustin’s immaculate organizing and leadership skills, the 1963 March on Washington may have never happened. Historical queer figures like Little Richard broke the color line between Black and White Americans through music.
Ward said, “We must include Black LGBTQIA+ folks’ contribution to the history books like those of Bayard Rustin, the organizer behind the 1963 March on Washington.”
Civil Rights Activists’ message in “For the Love of Mahalia” rings true today
With 2024 being a Presidential Election year, America’s democracy, ideas of freedom, and the work of our melanated ancestors face erasure.
Throughout the Jim Crow Era, African Americans risked their lives to register to vote, desegregate, and uphold the human and civil rights America guaranteed them.
Ward expressed, “This history cannot be hidden by figures in power who are trying to remove this from classrooms. We stand on the shoulders of so many nameless folks in the civil rights movement who risked their lives for civil rights. Black people lost their lives, their jobs, their livelihoods, and so much more. We need to know the ugliness of this country so that we don’t repeat the mistakes of history.”
“For The Love of Mahalia” is a timely play reminding us to remember our ancestor’s encouraging messages. Jackson’s firm decision to not perform in nightclubs yet still blessed should show us that truth and goodness will win.
Ward recommends that people be restful yet ready to act.
He said, “I understand the fatigue, desensitization, and dissociation these last four years. We’re living through a global pandemic while combating inflation. I am tired. Rest is a necessary political act. Yes. However, this is not the time for cooling off when some states are revising voting regulations, changing polling elections, and challenging election processes weeks before the presidential election.”
Sharing flowers and what’s to come
The phenomenal cast and crew in “For The Love of Mahalia” showed up to create a memorable play. Ward commends his colleagues for a job well done.
“Firstly, Robert King, Jr. has written and directed this incredible play. I am honored to be a witness to the expansion of the AMC Performance Company and the work of the incredible staff. Brenda Barnes as Mahalia Jackson is sublime,” Ward said.
“To witness her give her testimony on that stage every night in the midst of challenging circumstances was extraordinary. I’ve been honored to work with the entire cast and crew. Everyone gave their heart and soul to bring this story to the stage,” he added.
Ward’s ongoing aspirations are to continue to be a storyteller. He hopes to explore writing original work reflecting his community.
In addition, he and his creative partner Joshua Jenkins of BLACK, GAY, stuck at home plan to provide holistic support to Black Queer artists’ stories.
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