Milwaukee Marshall High School Hosts Adults-Only Comedy Fundraiser to Support Prom and HBCU Tours
Milwaukee Marshall High School is trying something new this fall: an adults-only comedy show fundraiser designed to support students in a very real and practical way. The event, called A Lesson in Laughter, will take place on Nov. 21 inside the school’s auditorium at 4141 N. 64th St. Tickets are $20, and every dollar raised will help cover prom expenses and fund tours of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for Marshall students.
The idea came from Marshall special education teacher and comedian Thomas McClern, known on stage as T-Lern. Parents may have already heard his voice on an automated voicemail encouraging them to come—but to leave the kids at home. This is the first comedy show of its kind hosted by Milwaukee Public Schools, and it’s intentionally geared toward adults in the community.
McClern, who has spent 27 years working across various roles in Milwaukee Public Schools—including time as a security officer—has also been performing stand-up for 20 years. Comedy, he says, helped him get through his childhood, especially while navigating homelessness and poverty. That personal history fuels his commitment to helping students today by using humor to bring the community together. As he put it, the goal is to make sure “we can be prepared for whatever they don’t have.”
The event is also being organized by Marshall English teacher BilliJo Saffold, who hopes the evening will raise over $25,000. For decades, Saffold has led HBCU college tours for Milwaukee students—first at Riverside High School and now at Marshall. These trips, which include airfare and lodging, cost roughly $3,500 per student and have encouraged countless students to pursue higher education. Even though she has been eligible to retire for five years, she continues to return each school year to support students and organize enriching opportunities, including a recent student trip to Africa in May.
Marshall High School serves a student population where nearly 92% of students are Black and about 82% are considered economically disadvantaged. Because of this, many teachers frequently cover student costs out of their own pockets, especially for major events like prom. The comedy show aims to lessen that financial burden while bringing the community together for a night of fun.
The lineup consists entirely of Milwaukee Public Schools alumni, making the event feel like a meaningful homecoming. In addition to McClern, the show will feature comedian Chris Barnes, who graduated from Marshall in 1982, as well as several other local performers. Hosting duties will be handled by Bradford “D Rock” Handley, who attended Vincent High School and graduated from Washington High School. The night’s music will be provided by Greg “DJ Gee A” Adams. Additional performers include Promise Bruce, a Madison High School graduate and in-game host for the Milwaukee Bucks, and Thaddeus “Ol’School” Mann, a Custer High School graduate.
Barnes expressed pride about returning to the school that shaped him, saying it “means a lot to me to come back and do something for the school I graduated from.” Mann echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the event is all about helping the community.
Organizers hope A Lesson in Laughter becomes an annual tradition, complete with comedy, music, and local vendors. For adults who may not have had the best high school experience themselves, Saffold believes this is a chance to come back to school for a night of positivity. As she put it, it’s all about laughter, giving back, and getting something joyful in return.
For more information on Milwaukee Marshall High School, visit the official Milwaukee Public Schools page:
Milwaukee Marshall High School.
