Reverend Dr Martin Luther King has been an inspiration not only to the African American community within the United States but to the masses around the world. He has helped implement great change and allowed the African American community to be given more opportunities. Thus, when written about, Dr King is written with pride and reverence. Within the Spring semester, the members of the Theatre and Performance at Georgia Southern University is showcasing the play The Mountaintop by Katori Hall. It is going to be an outstanding play which will rend emotions from the audience members. It will be held from April 8th through 15th at a cost of only $5.35. The role of Dr King will be played by a great man Mr. Akil Jackson, who prides Dr. King’s work and mission.
Name: V. Akil Jackson
Age: 22 years old
Year: Senior
Major: Multimedia Journalism with an emphasis in Broadcasting
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
HC: What are your plans after school?
AJ: “After school, I plan to attain an internship with Cartoon Network, in California where I can pursue my passion for doing voice acting/overs. My dream stems from my father who has a magnificent voice. My father regrets not using the full potential of his voice thus wanting me to achieve all possibilities. During the internship, I plan on networking as much as I can and gain a job that way also try to do some screen acting.”
HC: Why?
AJ: “I want to follow my dream because I enjoy it even as a child. I was a loquacious child who enjoys the ability to talk and likes being heard. In a humble way, of course.”
HC: What is your favourite pastime?
AJ: “Bible Study. Discipleship group with Campus Outreach. This past time has truly changed me at the moment when my life needed to be changed. Here at Bible Study it is great to be surrounded by men of deep faith.”
HC: Currently you are participating in the play the Mountaintop, what are your views on the play?
AJ: “I think the play is strong. It is fearless in portraying that side of Martin Luther King that exists, but not often acknowledged. I am sceptical but optimistic. It is a hard part to practice because it is the part that we are not accustomed to and thus it requires deep research on my part.”
HC: What makes you driven by the play?
AJ: “My father idolises Dr King and I am excited to portray him even the side that most are not privy to.”
HC: How does playing Martin Luther King affect you?
AJ: “It fills me with anxiety because it reminds me that Dr. King was a man just as we are, and it disgusts me how we are as American people have regressed and how much we have not moved forward. Dr King was able to drive people and give them hope. There is still more to do.”
HC: Why should people come to see the show?
AJ: “Firstly, support is needed from the student body. We are all GSU students. Secondly this play is powerful and rendering a lasting effect on someone and more people should come because that effect can happen to anyone.”
HC: Before you leave GSU, what is one thing that you will like to see accomplished?
AJ: “I would like to see our campus unified. There is a clear division between gender, races, ethnicities, clubs, people types, and mindsets. So many clicks which are fine but I don’t want to see them uninformed but unified where people can come to GSU different and leave different but more appreciative.”
HC: Before you leave this earth, what is one thing you will like to see accomplished?
AJ: “Eradication of hatred in this world.”
His intelligence it outstanding but his humility is admirable. There is no doubt that Akil Jackson will not succeed as Dr King in The Mountaintop. We wish you all the best with your future endeavours. You will do fantastically.