August Wilson’s  Jitney, written in 1979 is the first of the 10 monumental works in the American Century Cycle- his epic collection of plays that span across the decades to document African American experiences in the 20th century.

Set in 1970s Pittsburgh, August Wilson’s Jitney explores the lives of unlicensed cab drivers—men hustling to survive while providing vital transportation in their community. Operating out of a run-down station, they face mounting tensions, generational clashes, and the looming threat of urban renewal. When the boss’s estranged son returns from prison, long-buried wounds resurface. Through sharp dialogue and rich character dynamics, Jitney offers a powerful portrait of Black life, resilience, and the complexities of family and redemption.