Traction Jackson

Traction Jackson, aka TJ, is an African American boy who uses a wheelchair. He appeared 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 with the character were produced through season 41. 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 Background==
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.
==Sketches==
Picture	Theme / First Appearance 	Description
 	Me and My ChairEpisode 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.
 	14 BasketsEpisode 4070 	In this counting short, TJ attempts to make fourteen consecutive baskets, while Bernie cheers from the sidelines.
 	Fruit Snack SambaEpisode 4089 	TJ warns Bernie about his junkfood habits, singing a lively tribute to fruit.
 	TJ Meets MargaritaEpisode 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 new friends.
 	Follow MeEpisode 4130 	TJ, Bernie, and Margarita play "Follow Me" with Grandpa Mudcat.
 	The Doggone Jealous BluesEpisode 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.
 	Counting to 40Episode 4187 	TJ and his friends count to 40 by 10s in song.
 	Imagining I WordsEpisode 4227 	TJ and his friend Kayla sing about I words.
==Credits==
*Creative Director/Storyboards: Rickey Boyd
*Associate Producer for Sesame Workshop: Rebecca Rosa
*Character Modeling: Jeff Gruelich
*3D Backgrounds and Sets: Gruelich, Rainey Kirk
*Animators: James Coakley Jr., Todd Smith
*Technical Director: Steven Alley
*Lighting & Composition: Don Culwell
==External Links==
*"3-D Project Lands Magnetic Dreams on Sesame Street"
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Category:Animated Characters
Category:Sesame Street Characters
Category: Sesame Street Animated Segments