Black Laughs Matter, a Bay Area comedy show for those in support and love for Black comedy
Comedy shows have offered a platform for rising Black comics through the pandemic in light of Black Lives Matter.
“It’s a community we’re so proud to be a part of, a community that brings people of all kinds together to share a common interest, comedy,” said Black Laughs Matter show host Terry Dorsey over the phone.
“The audience we have and the shows themselves, they mean a lot to us and our community.”
Black laughs live
On Saturday, Black Laughs Matter held their weekly comedy show with host Dorsey alongside comedians Marcus Williams, Tammy T and Ajay Mae.
“It’s already hard enough as Black folks establishing our voices in comedy. The pandemic made it that much harder,” said Marcus Williams, a performer at Saturday night’s show over the phone.
“Especially through this time, these virtual shows mean a lot to me. It’s helped myself and other fellow comedians grow and maintain our audience, as well as establish connections with others and allow us to do what we love.”
Dorsey said, “We started organizing these shows a little over a couple of months ago, not too long after the quarantine had begun. Through these types of shows, it has helped our small town comedians make the connection they need and branch off onto bigger things.”
“Tonight’s performer Tammy T had moved on to open for Oscar winner Mo’nique and previous performer TK Moyer to the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Virtual after-party
The night ended with a virtual after-party in which audience members were able to connect with the host, comedians and each other.
Those who had their cameras on and often interacted were invited to the after-party, in which they got to interact with everyone, ask questions and have casual conversations over drinks.
“This is my second time attending the show, I had heard about it on an event listing from my girlfriend,” said Cleveland State University student and show attendee Kahan Patel at the after-party.
Many attendees are BIPOC who attended in support of the event and the new and reoccurring comics there.
“Being a POC I fully support this show and what it’s all about. I enjoyed watching all the new comedians and the after-party as I was able to talk to the acts.”
Black Laughs Matter is a virtual San Francisco-based comedy show and after-party held every Saturday at 8 p.m. PST/11 p.m. EST.
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