Jackie Murray (www.jackiemurray.net), known as “The Voice for the New Sound of Soul,” is a professional singer, songwriter, and actress who has been on stage in several Memphis-area theaters and throughout the mid-South. She is a teaching artist with the Tennessee Arts Commission and serves on the Board of the Tennessee Theatre Association as the Professional Artist Representative. Murray penned her one-woman show, “Harriet Tubman: One Woman’s Journey,” in 2012, and she performs it for audiences as she tours schools and universities. Her current endeavor is an episodic series, “Calling on Harriet,” which chronicles the life of Tubman (www.callingonharriet.com). Murray also uses her talents as
a tour conductor, teaching travelers from around the world about the African American history of Memphis, TN (www.atopmemphis.com). Her motto is, “not pursuing your dreams is like being a bird that is afraid of heights.”
Contact Jackie at murray.jacqueline67@ymail.com
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
Harriet Tubman (portrayed by Jackie Murray) leads her fellow run-away slaves (the audience) on a dangerous journey north. In Act one, we are exposed to what slavery was like in the United States and how precious the freedom we all take for granted is. This act highlights Ms. Tubman’s inner struggle with her faith while hearing the voice of God to help her in her journey. In Act two, Ms. Tubman greets her fellow freemen (again, the audience) and presents how important the Emancipation Proclamation was and how the Abolitionist Movement re-shaped our country.
This is Harriet Tubman as a living breathing human being. Her story, as told (and sung) by Jackie Murray, is one of bravery and compassion. The performance includes several moving spirituals, including “Go Down Moses” and “City Called Heaven.” The forty-five minute school show has been touring various schools in Arkansas and Tennessee where excited children (including elementary, middle and high school aged audiences) raise their hands and yearn for a chance to ask Harriet a question at the end of the show. Adult audiences have also enjoyed the full length presentation when it has been on stage at The Imperial Dinner Theatre (Pocahontas, AR), The Hattiloo Theatre (Memphis, TN), and The Salvation Army Kroc Center (Memphis, TN).
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
