Opening

This play has been inspired by historian and activist John Hope Franklin, author of over 20 books including From Slavery to Freedom (1947), The Militant South, 1800–1861(1956) and his autobiography Mirror to America (2005). Franklin started his academic career at Fisk University, where he was mentored by his friend and colleague, Ted Currior. Currior took a strong interest in Franklin and was a significant influence on his decision to obtain his PhD in History from Harvard University, where he graduated from in 1941. After completing his PhD at Harvard, John would go on to teach at Fisk University, St. Augustine’s College, North Carolina Central University, Howard University, Brooklyn College, University of Chicago, and the University of Cambridge.

 

Narrator begins

A Different Beast
Written by Ethan Scott Barnett

 

Act 1: The Firsts

LIGHTS UP – A RADIO IS PLAYING BROADCASTING A CIVIL RIGHTS ACTION. LIGHTS UP ON A HUMBLE KITCHEN WITH A DINING ROOM TABLE FIT FOR TWO. ON THE TABLE ARE TWO STACKS OF PAPER. A BOX LABELED “LIBRARY RETURNS” IS VISIBLE. A MAN IS DRESSED IN A NEAT WOOL SUITE, A WHITE COLLARED SHIRT, HIS TIE IS DARK BLUE WITH POLKA-A-DOTS. HE IS ON THE PHONE. HE PUSHES HIS GLASSES UP FURTHER ONTO HIS NOSE AND EXAMINES ONE OF THE PAPERS IN FRONT OF WHILE SPEAKING ON THE PHONE. HE PLACES THE PAPER ON THE TABLE AS HE BECOMES AWARE OF WHO HE IS SPEAKING WITH ON THE PHONE.

John

 

Yes, this is he… the New York Times, huh? Yes, Mr. Fines, I’m familiar with your work…you have-have you?… No, no, I don’t mind at all…can you hold one minute… (He turns down the radio) No Hope is my middle name. Yes, that’s right. Funny thing. I’m not the first john Hope, I was named after the first African American President of Atlanta University. Yes-Yes. Me? I was originally born in Rentiesville, Oklahoma but we moved Tulsa during primary school… Yes. Yes. Well I’m honored as well, Mr. Fines

 

A WOMAN ENTERS. SHE IS CARRYING A HANDFUL OF BOOKS AND A BAG OF GROCERIES, SHE LOOKS AROUND THE ROOM. SHE IS CHATTING AND STOPS SUDDENLY WHEN SHE SEES THE MAN ON THE PHONE. HE MOTIONS TO HER AND SHE APPROACHES. JOHN CONTINUES TO TALK ON THE PHONE

John

Oh really? I certainly appreciate the gesture. I look forward to reading the article. Oh you’re very welcome, and thank you sir. Well it was great talking to you, yes. and good day to you too!
(hangs up the phone)

THE WOMAN STARES AT HIM WAITING FOR AN EXPLANATION

That was Benjamin Fine from the New York Times. Apparently, he found out about the position at Brooklyn College and wants to run a story about the first Negro chair at a white institution”.
(they both laugh)

Aurelia

(Smiling) Oh that’s wonderful, John. The New York Times!! They make such a big deal about being “the first”

John

It’s as if they forget that whites are the people who are opposed to colored’s working in their institutions. Think of all the so many so called firsts that go unnoticed

Aurelia (holding John’s hand)

(Pause to reflect) …Yes I know. All the people we’ve met in the past who just didn’t have an opportunity. Think what could have happened. Remember Will Thomas?

John

Of course!! head of sanitation, right? (She nods) He had an extensive understanding of Carter G. Woodson’s work, even going as far as quoting passages from The Mis-Education of the Negro and asking my opinion on it.

Aurelia

Yes, there are so many like him, John. (they reflect for a moment) There was Jupiter Hampton, he was the first colored to have his poems published

John

And Mary Jane Patterson

Aurelia

first women to earn a Bachelor of Arts!

John

And from Oberlin no less!

Aurelia

I wonder if the first negro to wear socks received a Times article?

John

(laughing) They must have! Along with the first to stich trousers!

Aurelia

What about that fellow who shipped himself up north?

Henry “Box” Brown? They believe he was the first, but he definitely wasn’t the last! Then there was the first negro to choose death over slavery.

Aurelia

We all know how that ended!

Both laugh…

Aurelia

(composed) Still; I can’t help but be excited. New York!! when would we leave? This is surely something wonderful, how should we celebrate?

John

Well, if things go as planned, it wouldn’t be until the end of the summer. (he continues reading and stops) Are you sure that you don’t mind leaving Spingarn?

Aurelia (thoughtfully)

I have grown to love the community here. The kids, the faculty, practically everyone. But New York could bring great things!

John

Yes, great things!! Brooklyn could be a gas! They’ve got it all.

Aurelia

It would be great to raise Whit in such a place! So different from the South

John

Yes!! A safe place for our son. (they pause and dream again) Would you want to get a house?

Aurelia

A house!! Oh I’ve wanted a house. When I was small we lived close to the Mayfield’s. Lizzy Mayfield she was bout a year younger than me. They use to come by when her mama worked at the Springers up on Highfield. Anyways her mama made the best cornbread in the whole of Goldsboro. one time I was supposed to go meet uncle Hubbie, you remember him he came to our wedding—out near the that southern park I saw Lizzy and her mama walking passed us. I called out to her but she never turned just kept moving—almost like in shock confused, I don’t know. By the time I reached on home I saw their house had a big lock on it. Later on in church Mrs. Jenkins told us that the landlord had locked them out. Poor Mrs. Mayfield didn’t have a chance to get her belonging. For a while she would just come back and stare at the house. But time passed and we never saw them again. They locked them out of their house, John. I hear they moved in with family who they didn’t know for a while. I hear that didn’t go well and they just moving around for a long time. Everyone deserves a home. Could we afford it?

John

A house? Well, I’ll be both Chair of the Department and a professor. And don’t forget, I’ll be…

Aurelia and John

THE FIRST!!
(they both laugh)

 

Aurelia

Well a house would surely make us feel more at home, maybe even a backyard for Whit to play in.

John

There’s a chance I’ll have my own office

Aurelia

Your own office!! Who would I share my dining room table with?
(she laughs)

John (Optimistic)

That’s right!! ……You know…Brooklyn is sounding better by the second!

(THEY LAUGH. JOHN CONTINUES READING THROUGH A STACK OF PAPERS AND AURELIA MOVES ABOUT PICKS UP THE LIBRARY BOOKS AND EXITS. LIGHTS FADE)

End of scene

 

Scene 2: A pass in Brooklyn

The Franklin’s apartment in Brooklyn. Rose sits at the kitchen table with Aurelia.

Aurelia

Do you want some more coffee?

Rose

no, thanks, but one of those cookies would be wonderful

Aurelia passes a cookie

you said you’ve lived here how many years?

Rose

It will be 6 years in March, when I first got here is was just white families up and down the block.

Aurelia

How did you get the apartment then?

Rose

I passed! (pause) It was winter and they had no idea I was colored.

Aurelia

and you don’t worry about folks finding out?

Rose

I’ve been faced with this my whole life, you learn to go back and forth. My curls used to shine like a diamond when I was a little girl. All my mother needed to do was take that little comb and twirl it one time and I was Shirley Temple: No Bojangles. Everyone called me Shirley. My granny, my cousin – they friends and even strangers. The first time I heard a stranger call me Shirley it was at the train station. My mama was taking me to see my Aunt Verna up in Baltimore. And just like she always did my mother curled my hair before we left the house. I wore my little pink dress with my patent leather shoes. And as soon as those patent leather shoes hit the train station, I heard the stranger say “M’am,” we kept walking but the M’ams got louder and closer. We were rushing cause we didn’t want to miss that train. But the stranger ran after us and stopped us. He told my mother that he needed to ask her questions. Questions about her little Shirley temple looking baby. He didn’t think that her little baby could be hers. So he asked her about me and asked me about her. I thought white was a shade so when they asked me if I was white I looked at my skin and said yes and he asked who my mother was and of course I was about to say Mama, but she jumped in with “I’m just the maid” and she gave me the eye, yall know the eye. She looked at the train station, heard the train and saw that it was arriving. Looked at me, looked at him, and then she looked down. The train had arrived. PAUSE. And mama got the seat in the front with Shirley Temple.

Aurelia

The train arrived. but now more Negros are moving in?

Rose

About 2 years ago a Negro family won a court case against a racist landlord, after that I haven’t had to worry.

Aurelia

Hmm…Maybe we should look into that?

Rose

Their case was different, you can’t really sue someone for a private transaction, with a realty company it’s easier to prove they’re racist.

Aurelia

What about your son?

Rose

He’s uptown…he’s darker skin and when he got older he realized why I got the apartment and felt that it wasn’t right. He thought I was trying to hide something.

Aurelia

Well aren’t you?

Rose

I’m letting whites make their own assumptions, if they don’t realize what’s right in front of them – that’s their problem

Aurelia

And your son? He’s on his own?

Rose

No, no, he’s got his Kenneth and Mamie Clark, they don’t charge him that much and he’s got community in Harlem

Aurelia

You don’t ever get lonely?

Rose

Of course I get lonely, we all get lonely. Listen… I’m just doing what my mother, my mother’s mother and her mother’s mother had to do. There is no real negro. Everyone of us is smiling and saying thank you mam acting happy when we sad, half of us got a belly full of hopes and dreams that we know wont come true… and the other half don’t know who the enemy is or something and all the while we just wanna sit down and rese Passing is financial security, if you wanted the job, you didn’t say anything – you let them decide. Loneliness is a small cost when you get a good house, clean grocery stores, better education and more job opportunities. Sure – you need to travel some ways to find community…

BOTH PAUSE AND SIP THEIR DRINKS

Aurelia

What about when your around our folks?

Rose

They’re not dumb, they understand the situation. Some people don’t like it, but I think that if most coloreds were given a chance, they would pass too.

End of Scene

 

Scene 3: Popping In

LIGHTS UP ON JOHN AND AURELIA. THEY ARE WALKING AND LOOKING FROM SIDE TO SIDE. JOHN CARRIES A NEWSPAPER. IMAGES OF BROOKLYN STREETS ARE PROJECTED IN THE REAR. THERE IS A FREESTANDING BLOCK OF STEPS THAT ARE ON THE STAGE

John

(pointing)

Here’s that 2 story house I read about. It has 2-bedrooms on the top floor and there’s a full kitchen and bathroom on the main floor

JOHN MOTIONS TO AURELIA AS HE MOVES UP THE SOLITARY FLIGHT OF STAIRS THAT ARE CENTER STAGE

John

Should we knock?

Aurelia

They’ll think that we’re rude!

John

(convincingly) We can just let them know that we were in the neighborhood and stopped by, if anything we can come back another time!

Aurelia

Hmm, well we’re here already

They ascend the steps and face the audience. As they look out, a light suddenly flashes – encasing them in a flood of light

VOICE 1

(sharp tone) What do you want?

John

Hi, I’m John and this is my wife Aurelia. We saw in the Flatbush News that your home was for sale, we were wondering if we could receive a tour?

THE LIGHT REMAINS SHINING ON THEM CAUSING WHAT SEEMS TO BE SOME DISCOMFORT

VOICE 1

in the Flatbush News? Well, it’s sold.

John

(pleading)

but it’s in today’s paper?

VOICE 1

(harshly)

Well it was a mistake, it’s sold. Goodbye.

LIGHTS RETURN TO NORMAL. AURELIA DESCENDS THE STEP

John

(turning to Aurelia)

what do you think that was about?

HE LOOKS AROUND FOR HER AND SEES HER DESCENDING THE STEPS.

Aurelia

John, I think that’s how white people feel about coloreds in Brooklyn.

End of Scene

 

Scene 4: The State of the State

LIGHTS UP ON AURELIA ON AN EMPTY STAGE

VOICE 2

New York Real Estate, this Corrine speaking. How can I help you?

Aurelia

Hello, I’m calling about the home for sale at 1784 New York Avenue?

VOICE 2

I believe that property is still for sale, could you tell me more about your interest in it?

Aurelia

Well, my husband, son and I have been living in Brooklyn for 3 months now and our apartment is starting to feel a bit small. The house sounds perfect from the ad, the back yard would ……

VOICE 2

Yes, the house is rather wonderful. I visited the owner when they first put it on the market. There are two bedrooms on the top floor with one full bathroom and then in the ground floor you’ve got a living room, kitchen, and an office. The backyard is small, but there’s enough room for a barbeque.

Aurelia

Oh that sounds wonderful!

VOICE 2

yes, you know, I’ve got a son of my own, he’s 4 – his name is Michael and if my husband and I hadn’t moved to Canarsie, I would have chosen this house in a heartbeat. The neighborhood is a true gem, the neighbors have managed to keep the filth out, probably one of the last neighborhoods in Brooklyn in that condition.

Aurelia

I’m sorry, the filth?

VOICE 2

Yeah, you know – them Negros… I don’t have a problem with them or anything. But, they don’t know how to keep anything good. If they’re into messing up their own neighborhoods and letting the properties go kaput, that’s their problem, but don’t let them come into my neighborhood and lower the property values with all the monkey business! You ever have to deal with them?

AURELIA LOOKS OUT TO THE AUDIENCE

Aurelia

Well, I would say that I’ve had none of the negative encounters that you are insinuating that Negro’s bring.

VOICE 2

Where did you say you were living again?

Aurelia (guardedly)

I didn’t, but we’re currently living on Eastern Parkway

VOICE 2

and what is the cross street?

Aurelia

Nostrand… THERE IS A LONG PAUSE… Are you there?

VOICE 2 (coldly)

I can take down your number and call the home owner to see when the best time for an appointment would be. How does that sound?

Aurelia

(warmly)

Very well, the sooner, the better. My number is

THE SOUND OF A DIALTONE INTERRUPTS HER

Aurelia

(frustrated) Hello? Hello? (to herself) “filth”? “monkey business”? I can’t be bothered

THE LIGHT ANGLE SHIFTS AS AURELIA MOVES TO ANOTHER AREA OF THE STAGE

VOICE 3

Hello?

Aurelia

Hi, I’m calling about a house for sale? Is this two-hundred and forty-five Bedford Avenue?

VOICE 3

This’a 2-4-5 Bedford Avenue, I’m Jack, my friends call me Mack and my mother calls me John. How’d you hear about the house?

Aurelia

Well, I saw it in yesterday’s real estate section of the New York Times.

VOICE 3

That sounds a- bout right. It’s a real beaut, I’ve been putting in work for the past 5 years, git’n ready to sell it and I’ma just about finnshed. Justa need to give the masta bedroom one more coat of paint and it will be ready to go. I decided to go with perra-winkle blu, my wife usedta love that color before she left me for a woman. I ain’t mad, justa wish she given me a heads up – if she told me five years ago, I coulda landed me a shweet replacement nowa just got myself. Nuf about me, how about urself?

Aurelia

My husband John, our son Whit and I moved up from Washington D.C. just over 4 months ago. We have been living in a lovely apartment, but we feel that we won’t be able to call ourselves Brooklynites until we purchase a house

VOICE 3

Nowa, that’s jus wonderful. My dada was from D.C. and my momma was from Bama, I was raised in Bama till I was 18 and then I went off to war. That was one hulva time, got them nazi sons a bitchs u know. Well den I got back, was all sortsa fuked up and I don married the first gal I met. That was Lulamay. And that same week, my uncle Herbert died – Herb originally owned the house, but he left it to me, thought it would bring me “good luck” well u c how that played out. I’ma just move back to Bama and become the mayor of Mobile.

Aurelia

Uh Jack, I don’t mean to be rude, but could you tell me more about house?

VOICE 3

oh of course – It’s 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, it’s got an enormous dining room and a even a doggie door. You got a dog?

Aurelia

no, no pets. How are the neighbors?

VOICE 3

The neighbors are jus fine, we ain’t got no colordz, I bet u hear about them colordz in Brooklyn. They tryna take over everything, jus cause they got 1 negger over at ebbets field who can hit a ball, they think they deserve everythang!

Aurelia

Well, (Hesitantly) Jack…I must tell you that me and my family are colored and we are perfectly good people, it isn’t right to judge people on the color or their skin

VOICE 3

(Angrily) how dare u! What makes u think i would ever sell my house to a negger, i put so much work into this house! I inherited this house! I ain’t looking to have it ruined by no negger! What would my uncle say! Back in Bama, niggers knew their place, here in new york they tryna take everything. No way, no how – no niggers ain’t ever gon be allowed.

AURELIA MOVES TO ANOTHER AREA OF THE STAGE AS IF TRYING TO ESCAPE THE CALL. SUDDENLY SHE STOPS AND MOVES WITH DETERMINATION

DAVID’S VOICE

Hello?

Aurelia

(Softly) Hi, I am calling about the house for sale at 1885 New York Avenue, is this the correct number?

DAVID’S VOICE

Yes, this is David. I own the house. How did you hear about it?

Aurelia

(Unconvincingly) oh, well a friend of mine who works at Brooklyn College mentioned hearing about it in the newspaper and I thought I would inquire further.

DAVID’S VOICE

Not sure I know anyone at Brooklyn College, but it’s definitely for sale, I’ve been looking to move for some time now. (AURELIA GIVES A THUMBS UP TO THE AUDIENCE) Would you want to come check it out later this week?

Aurelia

(Shuffles through calendar) Of course, I’d like to bring my husband.

DAVID’S VOICE

no problem, probably best for the whole family to see the place – How about Saturday morning?

Aurelia

Excellent, we will be stopping by around Saturday at 10am.

DAVID’S VOICE

Great, what was your name again?

Aurelia

(Pausing) Aurelia Franklin

DAVID’S VOICE

See ye then, Aurelia.

They both hang up.

Aurelia

(TO THE AUDIENCE)

Well, after 3 months of trying to find a house, we’ve got out first meeting. I’m not sure how easy this would have been elsewhere but, Brooklyn has really shown its true colors.

(pauses, looks down and takes a deep breath)

John enters. Their eyes meet. They begin walking together as Aurelia continues

A few days later we set out to see the house as promised. When we arrived, David opened the door to greet us. It was the oddest thing, he just stared at us. And then he turned and walked away…

John

Where do you think he’s going?

Aurelia

He wouldn’t call the police would he?

LIGHTS UP ON A LIVING ROOM IN HARLEM.

Rose

(laughing hysterically) So, he threw back 3 shots of bourbon and invited y’all in… and you went it? (serious tone) Is my home so unwelcoming that y’all would risk your lives like that?

Aurelia

(playfully) Oh stop, not every white person is looking to cause trouble. He was just surprised, not many Negro’s are looking to move into white neighborhoods. And we love living in your home, if it wasn’t for your hospitality, who knows where we’d be.

Rose

(practically) Now that ain’t true, most Negros wants to live in a white-neighborhoods, unless you can pass, but they just have some common sense and stick to their side of the borough. You don’t know how stubborn whites are here!

Mamie enters the room. She sits exhausted.

You alright Mamie? Girl I know you are running up and down these days

Mamie

(sighing) Three arrested on day one-hundred and ninety.

Rose

I gotta give it to you Mamie. I can’t wait 2 days to get my electricity back on and here it is you on the 119th day of a boycott

Mamie

Yeah but three got arrested.

Aurelia

What’s happening?

Rose

Haven’t you been reading the Amsterdam News, a group of mothers’ in Harlem looking to get their kids an equal education and now they got themselves wrapped up in court cases, a damn shame!

Mamie

(passionately) The Harlem Nine is a little more than that Rose, we’ve got a group of mothers who are have gotten together to fight the Board of Education, these women are tired of sending their kids to inadequate schools. Kenneth and I have been working to bring evidence showing that the schools have been declining.

Aurelia

(takes a sip of tea before speaking) Well, why we should settle for less! We’re working hard and deserve just as much. Nurturing this country for too long without getting what’s ours!

Rose

and you think that house is going to be yours by tomorrow? They gon throw everything they got at you – before you get that house, you’ll see.

Mamie

(Passionately) things aren’t going to happen in a day, Kenny and I have been work with the families in Harlem, because we can’t stand it anymore! We need people to see the light, things aren’t going to change unless you fight!

Aurelia

John is planning to call up our lawyer to see what options we have.

Mamie

Have you thought about asking the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for help?

Rose

(practically) You know the NAACP ain’t been nothing since Ella Baker left in 53’! Now, that is a woman who knows how to get things done. She was FOR Harlem!

Mamie

she’s working for Southern Christian Leadership Conference these days, I’m not sure how well the South is treating her, but she’s got those ministers working for her out.

Aurelia

(Tired) from the treatment we’ve been receiving here, the South is looking pretty good right about now.

Rose

Oh it’s not that bad! Hope is still alive; you just need to let your community help you out or just pass! How long before they sell it to someone else?

Aurelia

He said he’s in no rush – would wait until we get the money, hopefully it won’t be too long. The John and David really hit it off, I think they might even go to a Dodgers Game together.

Rose

(Skeptical) They’re going to sit in the stands together?

John, Kenneth and young Marcus enter from the Kitchen

Aurelia

I’m telling you, David means well. Apparently his mother received a lot of hate-mail during the war, lots of anti-Semitic comments coming their way and the Negro’s were the only ones who would treat them as humans.

Rose

That’s Negros for ya, no matter how bad they’re treated, always turning the other cheek – going high, when everyone goes low – tuh.

Marcus

I don’t know why y’all even associate with those people

Rose

(quickly turning to her son) hushya mouth. You don’t know what you’re talking about.

Marcus

(looking at Rose) the only reason you live in that apartment is because you can pass, not everyone recognizes you’re a Negro, Mama

Rose

Anything I do, I do for you baby

Marcus

Do you understand how confused I was as a child not being able to hold your hand, hug you, or kiss you in public?!…Having to walk three steps behind you mama?!

SILENCE IN THE ROOM

Rose

Marcus, it wasn’t easy for me either. My momma looked like you and she suffered. I’m just trying to do right by you

John

Marcus, those sound like hard days. But there will be harder. But in spite of everything you have to believe in yourself

Marcus

All I’m saying is, uncle Kenneth and Mr. Franklin are working real hard to get into white institutions, what about making our own institutions better?

John

Marcus, have you graduated high school yet?

Marcus

yeah, last year

John

and how was it?

Marcus

(cooly) It was alright, nothing special – it was high school I’m done now.

Kenneth

How about the conditions of the classroom?

Marcus

you know, same old books, covers falling off – conditions are garbage. We been haring text books, rats in the cafeteria, tight classrooms, you gotta get their early if you don’t want to sit on the floor

John

See – that right there, is why we’re pushing to get schools desegregated.

Mamie

We’ve been working with the Harlem Nine because they deserve more, not because we want a headache! Young negro children are getting their education in the freedom schools as we speak here. These parents created these schools rather than have than an inferior education that comes out of segregation Do you understand? Half of the problems suffered by black children come out of segregation. I was an adult who experienced racism like everyone else in this room. Yeah was a first too “Although my husband had earlier secured a teaching position at the City College of New York, following my graduation it soon became apparent to me that a black female with a Ph.D. in psychology was an unwanted anomaly in New York City in the early 1940s” I had to make way on my own” You do what you can. Right I am fighting for nine mothers who want that integrated education for their children. And they are going to get it.

Marcus

(passionately)
Yeah, that’s fine, but what about our communities? Bed Stuy, Harlem, The Bronx – they’re falling apart left and right!

Kenneth

How do you expect us to fix them if we don’t have educated people with steady work?

Marcus

(Hotly) Well…I don’t know about all that, y’all going to college just feels like you’re leaving your people. Tryna move into the white area…people would assume that you think your better den us.

John

We have no intention of “leaving our people”, but we also need to focus on making the best of our situation and if that means breaking the color barrier – so be it!

Marcus

yeah, that’s why you’re at Brooklyn College working under the white man.

John

“Working under the white man?”

Marcus

Brooklyn College ain’t nothing but well to do white people – who are looking to get away from Negros! Why didn’t they get you housing!? They don’t care about the negro!

John

I was just six when mother and I were ejected from a train for sitting in a white-only car. My father was so embittered by his treatment as a black lawyer that he moved his family to an all-black town after resolving to “resign from the world dominated by white people.” Yet my parents insisted that I was the equal of any other human being, and my mother repeatedly urged me to tell anyone who asked me about my aspirations that I planned to be “the first Negro president of the United States.” If you believe in yourself, you won’t be crying; you’ll be defying.”

Marcus

How many other colored professors they got in History?

John

Well just myself, (hopeful) but it is about where they could go! I believe that 50 years from now, Brooklyn College could have a faculty that is 50% Negro and a history department that values Negro history just as much as I do.

Marcus

Lets see how that works out. I’ll stay in Harlem and work with the people. Seems to me black folk spend their life dreaming about being equal to whites and they spend most of their life trying to make that not happen

End Scene

 

Scene 5: Knocking on your door

JOHN IS ALONE ON STAGE. HE SIFTS THROUGH WHAT APPEARS TO BE LEGAL PAPERS AND STOPS. HE SEES THE AUDIENCE AND MOVES TOWARDS THEM ADDRESSES.

John

Why is it so impossible to get a loan? I’ve got a lawyer who says it was harder than HE expected. I guess there are no banks interested in helping the Negro “jump the color line.” It still seems so incredible. I asked him, have you tried all the banks? “Not all of them” (feigning lawyers’ voice) “but it’s going to take some time – it’s hard to get through to these people.” HOW MUCH TIME? (to audience) You’ve only seen half of the trouble we’ve been through. Aurelia has called house after house for weeks and we’ve finally found someone to sell in a neighborhood close to the college and now I must think about time. Taking my time! They tell me that I have to think of myself as lucky! Lucky! For getting as far as we have. What is the reason for denying me a loan? What is it? They use codes like (HE AIR QUOTES) “I’m out of zone,” but all that means is that they really don’t want to help the Negro. I don’t believe you can have a peaceful, multiracial society when people are parceled or separated out, ghettoized, Balkanized or however you want to say it, I think people have to learn to live together at a very early age, seems to me in the long run the only way you can bring about any kind of peaceful, diverse society. We are in a civil rights moment in this country and I don’t see the North as having any great virtue.

(HE MOVES FORWARD TO THE AUDIENCE)

A young man just left my office. Nice decent young man one of the many white students at the College who wants to understand what’s going on in this country. We talked about DuBois and civil rights and every thing all young Americans need to know about.

Did I tell you that he visited my office because he had missed class? Good manners. I would expect the same from my son. “Dr. Franklin, please excuse my absence. We had a family emergency” he said “Of course,” I said. “these things happen. ” Is everything okay? I asked. Turns out that his family was moving and the movers were late and so he stayed on to help.” A very nice young man. He said they moved – right down the road from here. Right down the road. (Pause) I wished him well. I wished him well

LIGHTS UP ON KENNETH WHO IS SITTING IN THE CORNER. HE HAS BEEN LISTENTING

Kenneth

What did you expect coming here? You southerners cross that Mason Dixon and you think you think “a change gon come”. Listen John, I have a Ph.D from Columbia, I was the first in my job too, John. That first that we laugh about. But it’s not funny. Cos every step of the way there were all of those institutional boundaries that tried to stop me from not being first, but being who I wanted to be. But with all the struggle now, how can we find our way? Look at all the social problems that faces the poor black man., the lack of social welfare organizations to address race and poverty issues? We complain but what about the poor blacks?

John

(Understandingly) I can’t imagine being faced with a similar fate. But it ironic, Kenneth that here I am struggling to find a house? Not because I can’t find one, but because whites wont sell to a Negro. Tell me, will I be considered first when they do decide to sell to me?

Kenneth

(curiously) But you cant be surprised. Tulsa? Fisk, Atlanta, Christ even DC. you know the struggle by now. (Pause) But at least you’ve managed to sort out this department

John

I did, that’s been the easiest part of the job. I’m teaching 5 classes this semester – never has my work load been so demanding. Press agencies are calling from all over the world looking to get a comment on the “humanity of Negro in New York or the lunch hour sit in Greensboro or the problems at Little Rock… ( he exhales) The president checks in regularly, ( laughs sarcastically) but I’m still being blocked from living in the neighborhood.

Kenneth

Still think Brooklyn was the dream? You could go back to Howard?

John

Kenneth some of the best students I have ever met were at Howard but my presence at Brooklyn College is helping to move the Negro race forward, I can see more institutions following. Everyday something new is thrown at us, we’ve got to keep pushing,

Kenneth

John, YOU are helping the Negro move forward, the institution is doing what’s best for them. I understand that we must help one student at a time, but we need be realistic.

John

It is a combined effort, the few who helped me here have a compassion towards colored’s just like you and me.

Kenneth

What does it matter their dedication to scholarship, if you can’t even get a house?

John

It all matters, the scholarship, the students and yes, the house – if we are to do this, we must fight on all fronts. A few months ago Aurelia experienced several phone calls that left her quite shaken. Racism in the North, is similar to that in the South – it cannot be contained by geographical boundaries!

Kenneth (pauses)

How long? and after all this time you’ve had no luck?

John

Very little, the only gentleman that would actually meet with us had no idea we were Negros before our arrival. He had to take several shots of Bourbon before he even let us through the door! If only bourbon could solve the problems of the Negro in this country
(he laughs)

Kenneth (speechless)

I mean you were on the cover of the New York Times for heaven sakes, how many coloreds’ can say that?

John

Kenneth did I ever tell you the story of train ride in North Carolina? not so long ago, it was 1945 and a group of us took a train from Greensboro to Durham after commencement exercises at Bennett College. All the blacks were crammed into half a car near the front of the train: You could imagine after the commencement, the kids going home, parents, all that sort of thing. And there we were, all pressed up like sardines in that hot coach. Half the coach was for blacks, half for baggage, right up behind the engine where you get all the sparks and smoke and stuff.” I looked in front of the car and I saw an empty car, there were maybe four of five men lounging in there. So I asked the conductor if we could possibly use the car. He looked at that empty car, then he looked at us and he said no. He said those were German soldiers and they couldn’t be moved. They couldn’t be moved!! (they stare at each other) I am wondering, Kenneth if that loud declaration of segregationists isn’t better than these coveted signs that we live with in the North

Kenneth (desperately)

have you shown them the article, it’s The Times – they have to respect you!

John

If they don’t respect me as a man, why should they respect my profession?

Kenneth

Then what is the point of all this?

John

The point is that we must affirm what we know—that we are people, with history. And this fight for our rights must be recorded along with the rich history that is our contribution to this nation. WE do this through scholarship Kenneth! But that by itself is not enough. I am dedicated to the advancement of the Negro in society and take our rightful place at the table, other than that – we are all just common men.

Kenneth (distressed)

Well, I wish you the best my friend…

John

And I wish you the best with the Harlem 9

Kenneth

Neither do I… (Sincerely) Happy New Year. And as for the house? I will secure a bottle of bourbon for when we meet again

(They both laugh)

John

Happy New Year Kenneth (Hangs Up)

(HIS LAUGHTER MORPHS INTO A SERIOUS GAZE. HE LOOKS AT THE DOCUMENT THAT HE IS HOLDING IN HIS HAND AND STUDIES IT FOR A MOMENT. THEN WALKS OFF WITH A SENSE OF PURPOSE)

Black out

 

Scene 6: Brooklynites

SEVERAL MONTHS HAVE PASSED. THE FRANKLINS ARE AT HOME IN THEIR EAST NEW YORK APARTMENT.

John

Now, which bank did you say it was? … (Listening into the telephone/writing down on paper) ok, I got it and when should we come down to sign the papers – today won’t work, I’m teaching class until 6. (enthusiastically) Great, tomorrow at 10 works for me, and thank you – I’m sure you understand how exciting this is for us. Thank you, yes! See you then!

Aurelia walks through the apartment door just as John is hanging up.

Aurelia

(calling from the living room) John, are you home?

John

Yes, I’m in the kitchen

Aurelia walks into the kitchen

Aurelia

(curiously) what’s that grin on your face?

John

I’ve got some news, (gestures towards the chair) Come! Sit!

Aurelia takes the seat across from John

Aurelia

Is this good news or bad news?

John

Would I be smiling if it was bad news?

Aurelia

(Matter of fact) I’m not sure anymore, Brooklyn may be getting to you

John

(taken a back) Oh that’s nonsense, of course it’s good news. Go ahead and take a guess!

Aurelia

(pauses) Whit made another painting?

John

No…

Aurelia

You finished a chapter in your book?

John

Not yet

Aurelia

We’re going out dancing!?

John

No…sorry

Aurelia

Are you sure this isn’t just a surprise for you?

John

Give it one more try

Aurelia

(Pauses for a moment) We got the loan?

John

We got the loan!

Aurelia

but how!?

John

Robert checked in with every bank in New York and we finally found one where we have a chance, we’re all but confirmed

Aurelia

what’s left to do?

John

Tomorrow at 10am, we go to the bank…

Aurelia

and…

John

and we sign the papers!

Aurelia

John Hope Franklin, you better not be fooling around!

John

(Seriously) Aurelia…tomorrow…at…10am… We are signing for our home!

 

Scene 7: Brooklyn’s Best

JOHN AND AURELIA ARE UNPACKING THE BOXES IN THE NEW HOUSE

John

(pausing for reflection) Who would of thought that we would accumulate so many things?

Aurelia

I remember our days at Howard when we were sharing a table for everything! Now, we’re moving into our first house

John

I know, it took some time, but I’m glad we finally have a place to call home.

Aurelia

It’s truly a blessing.

John

(stepping into the living room) Ah, this room is beautiful, we should start placing the boxes in here

HORN HONKS IN THE DISTANCE

Aurelia

Could that be the movers?

John

I’ll go check

JOHN MOVES DOWN STAGE.
HE LOOKS OFF TO STAGE RIGHT MOTIONING THE TRUCK

AURELIA

Is it them?

John

Looks like it

THE CAR HORNS INTENSIFY…AURELIA JOINS JOHN DOWNSTAGE

Aurelia

What’s happening? is it them?

John

It looks like some kind of traffic jam. I’ll go check

HE EXITS TO STAGE RIGHT. AURELIA CONTINUES TO LOOK FROM THE STAGE. THE CAR HORNS BLARE

Aurelia

Is Everything Okay? John, What’s Happening?

John (OFF STAGE)

We’ve got a problem

Aurelia

What? What’s happening?

JOHN ENTERS

John

They’ve blocked the truck

Aurelia

Who?

John

The neighbors?

Aurelia

What? but why?

John

seems obvious?

Aurelia

Can’t you reason with them?

JOHN EXITS AGAIN

John

I’ll try

SHE LOOKS ON FROM THE STAGE AS ANGRY VOICES ARE HEARD OFF STAGE

Neighbor’s Voice

(cutting him off) I’m telling you right now – there – is – no – way – I – am – moving my car to let any negro into my neighborhood without a fight.

John (OFF STAGE)

I ask you to have reason, we will soon be neighbors!

Neighbor’s Voice

(louder) NO WAY IN HELL, I’M MOVING MY CAR!

John (Enters again)

There’s no reasoning here

Aurelia

So What Shall We Do, John? Was this all a Mistake? What shall we do?

HE LEAVES AGAIN AS SHE LOOKS ON

HE RE-ENTERS WITH A BOX AND PLACES IT DOWN AND TURNS TO EXIT AGAIN

Aurelia

(CALLING TO HIM) What?

John (calmly)

Well, we will have to unload from the street.

HE EXITS

AURELIA SHAKES HER HEAD AND RUNS OFF FOLLOWING HER HUSBAND?

END OF PLAY