CCS Writing & Literature Faculty Wendy Eley Jackson aims to enhance Black cultural perspectives in TV writing

Wendy plays pivotal development and teaching role in UC Santa Barbara-Tuskegee pilot program

CCS Writing & Literature Faculty Wendy Eley Jackson is playing a key role in a new pilot program between UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Tuskegee University, aimed at elevating Black cultural perspectives in television writing.

For Wendy, this is an opportunity to give back to the community that defined both her family legacy and childhood. Tuskegee is where a nine-month-old Wendy took her first steps, accompanied by her mother, a Tuskegee University graduate, and her father, one of the original Red Tails of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Driven by her Alabama roots and personal connection to the historic Southern city, Wendy will teach the flagship TV writing course at UCSB for a cohort of Tuskegee scholars, focusing on story development, film language, and script structure.

“This partnership represents a groundbreaking effort to deepen our understanding of Black cultural studies and create new pathways for students and scholars alike,” said Wendy. “By combining our resources and expertise, we are not just launching a program; we are igniting a movement that will inspire future generations and enrich the academic landscape.”

The program, a collaboration between a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), brings together 10 Booker T. Washington Scholars from Tuskegee and 15 UCSB students. Over six weeks, students will participate in screenwriting and cinema classes led by Jackson and gain hands-on experience through field trips to Los Angeles studios including Sony.

The aim is to bolster intellectual creativity by fostering a diverse learning environment with unique perspectives. “I am tired of hearing that there are not enough qualified Black people to hire for industry professions and we believe that this program will help to change this narrative,” said Wendy.

“It is incredibly exciting to see this partnership with Tuskegee University develop,” said CCS Interim Dean Tim Sherwood. “Dean Daina Ramey Berry is a visionary leader, and the opportunity to work with her and CCS faculty Wendy Eley Jackson in bringing this program to life has been a true pleasure!”

The College congratulates Wendy on this momentous achievement and commends her for her efforts in fostering a more diverse and creative entertainment industry.

Read more about this program in The Current article, July 9, 2024.