Traction Jackson

Performer:

Khalid Moultrie

Traction Jackson, aka TJ, is a wheelchair-bound African American boy who appears in computer animated segments on Sesame Street, beginning in Season 35. TJ, whose real name is Tyrone Jackson, is an energetic boy who enjoys basketball and whose best friend is his dog, Bernie. TJ's chair features unique, colored swirls on the wheels.

TJ made his debut in the 35th season opener/special The Street We Live On. New segments were added beginning in Season 36. Reminiscent of previous Sesame Street characters like street-scene regular Tarah, TJ was introduced as part of Sesame Workshop's curriculum to teach children that people are the same beneath physical differences.

Production BackgroundEdit

The Traction Jackson shorts are produced by the Tennessee-based studio Magnetic Dreams. The studio's creative director is Muppet performer Rickey Boyd, who used his friendship with Kevin Clash to arrange for his company to win the assignment. According to articles about the series, Boyd said the character of TJ was inspired by child in a wheelchair he met while working as a puppeteer on Animal Jam. "Everyone was just amazed at what a great attitude he had," Boyd recalled.

SketchesEdit

Picture	Theme / First Appearance	Description
	Me and My Chair Episode 4057	A remake of an earlier live-action song, TJ sings about how his chair enables him to move faster than he could with shoes. Online: Sesamestreet.org
	14 Baskets Episode 4070	In this counting short, TJ attempts to make fourteen consecutive baskets, while Bernie cheers from the sidelines. Online: Sesamestreet.org
	Fruit Snack Samba Episode 4089	TJ corrects Bernie about his junkfood habits, singing a lively tribute to fruit. Online: Sesamestreet.org, Sesame Street Podcast: Healthy Snacks
	TJ Meets Margarita Episode 4098	TJ and Bernie encounter Margarita, a neighborhood kid who initially refuses to let TJ use the court, believing his wheelchair prevents him from playing. TJ proves her wrong, and the two become friends. Online: Sesamestreet.org
	Follow Me Episode 4130	TJ, Bernie, and Margarita play "Follow Me" with Grandpa Mudcat. Online: Sesamestreet.org
	The Doggone Jealous Blues Episode 4158	TJ is sad because Bernie is playing with Margarita instead of him. Grandpa sings him a song about "The Doggone Jealous Blues," after which Margarita invites him to play. Online: Sesamestreet.org
	Counting to 40 Episode 4187	TJ and his friends count to 40 by 10s in song.
	Imagining I Words Episode 4227	TJ and his friend sing about I words. Online: Sesamestreet.org