NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Standup comedienne, lover of sneakers, and maker of ice cream. Those are just three titles that New Jersey native Christiana Jackson is proud to go by. While she makes her living primarily by doing the first full time though, a decade ago she was doing real estate - no joke.
What started out as a habit of writing jokes on her phone to keep herself entertained, evolved into a career path at one of her friend’s 30th birthday parties. “It was my first time performing,” Jackson told 1010 WINS, “but I also knew I killed because I’m funny.”
Despite her confidence, she was surprised when other attendees approached her afterwards, convinced that she was an actual comic. She had to correct them the first few times, but recalls the experience as a “great” one that really impacted her decision to switch careers.
“That’s [the moment] when I started to really think ... now everyone else knows [I’m funny]. Now everyone else needs to know too.”
Although Jackson makes it sound easy, like many black comics before her, she’s worked hard to get to where she’s at today.
The history of black comedy, albeit complex, is both important and often overlooked. From the painful days of blackface to the storied styles of Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and even Kevin Hart, black comedians have had an undeniable impact on humor as a whole.
Related
In this very special Black History Month podcast, listen as we unpack all the hurt and humor with both the assistance of Christiana and Dr. Mark Anthony Neal, Professor of African American Studies At Duke University.