Jackie Taylor Breaks New Ground at Black Ensemble Theater Jackie Taylor, the trailblazing founder and CEO of Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theater, is taking a bold step in 2025 with her newest production, Elvis Presley was a Black Man Named Joe. Unlike the theater’s traditional jukebox-style shows, this musical is deeply personal and autobiographical, telling the story of Taylor’s upbringing in Cabrini-Green and her close bond with her brother Joe—both lifelong fans of Elvis Presley. The show marks a