by Yohana Gebre

Director, performer, and comedian Donald E. Lacy Jr.’s theatrical production, “Colorstruck: Surviving The Trumpocalypse” set out to educate Laney College students on the importance of coming together during such a questionable presidency. “Trumpocalypse” used comedy, drama, spoken word, music and visuals to examine race in America under the racially polarized Trump administration, Lacy said.

Born and raised in Oakland, Lacy received a bachelor of arts in Theater Arts, and a bachelor’s degree in Black Studies from San Francisco State University. 
“I know how to act Black,” he said, jokingly.

Lacy took to the stage with just a slideshow behind him, leaving the audience feeling that fear will no longer hinder one’s growth and unity is needed to progress.

The show opened with Suga-T, a Vallejo rapper best known for being a part of the rap group The Click with her brother E-40 and B-Legit. Her lyrics of self-love and togetherness were then echoed by Lacy as he took the stage. 
Lacy used humor and his personal experiences to compare the discrimination people of color have faced in the past to the current social justice issues they are now facing.

“Why is America so color struck?” Lacy asked during the performance, referring to the racial polarization in America. He frequently pointed out that the social issues and discrimination from slavery and the 1960s are the same issues presented today. He encouraged people to act like they did in 1960s: Unite.

“‘Making America Great Again’ is code for turning back the clock,” Lacy said. 
He recalled a painful memory from his childhood where other children accused him of not being black due to his light skin color. As he retold the incident, he discussed the institutionalized racism that influenced his peers’ minds and caused them to think less of his light skin and nappy hair.

Lacy used comedy to explain how institutionalized racism is still present and how it affects the Black community. “Orange is the new redneck,” Lacy said to laughs, explaining the sense of empowerment certain people feel from the oft-mocked presidency and the stereotype that Trump supporters can embody.

Lacy remembered the Black Panther Party and how its members stood up to racial injustice and gave students a space to learn by giving them breakfast and providing after-school programs. Lacy said the Panthers sparked in him a sense of pride and awareness. “Black is Bob Marley. Black is W.E.B. Du Bois,” he said.

He continued by explaining his frustration with police harassment in his childhood and the recent string of police killings of people of color. “Why do some of them hate us so much?” Lacy said, referring to Trump supporters and extreme conservatives.

The production ran Feb. 1–3 at Laney’s Odell Johnson Theater. Throughout the production, Lacy gave recommendations to the audience on how people can survive the Trump presidency. His message to the audience was clear:

People have to start supporting and looking out for each other, now more than ever.

Yohana Gebre is a Tower staff writer.