Laughing Through Change: Vernon E. Davis on Comedy, Culture & Service
By Lana Reid | December 27, 2023
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Vernon E. Davis, also known as Longhorn the Comedian, to discuss comedy, cultural change, and service. Vernon reflects on how humor helps people process social and political shifts, connect across differences, and find moments of healing during uncertain times. He also shares how his lived experience and background shape his comedic voice and perspective.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Vernon E. Davis offers an engaging and thoughtful conversation on comedy as both craft and responsibility.
Vernon explains how comedy evolves alongside culture and why humor often serves as a mirror to society. He discusses how jokes, storytelling, and observational comedy allow people to confront difficult realities while still finding common ground through laughter. For Vernon, comedy is not just entertainment, but a way to spark reflection and conversation.
Throughout the discussion, Lana Reid and Vernon explore the role of lived experience in shaping comedic perspective. Vernon reflects on how his background, including family influence and generational military service, informs his worldview and sense of discipline. He shares how those influences guide the way he approaches storytelling, respect for audiences, and navigating sensitive topics with intention.
The conversation also highlights the balance between humor and responsibility. Vernon emphasizes that comedians carry influence and must be mindful of how their words land, especially in moments of cultural tension. He underscores that making people laugh comes with the responsibility to remain thoughtful, authentic, and grounded.
This episode reinforces how comedy can serve as a bridge during times of change, offering both relief and insight while reminding audiences of shared humanity.
About the Guest
Vernon E. Davis, known professionally as Longhorn the Comedian, is a comedian, speaker, and U.S. Army veteran whose work blends humor, cultural observation, and lived experience. His comedy reflects on social issues, personal growth, and the power of laughter to connect and heal.
For more information on Vernon E. Davis, II:
https://www.vernonedavisii.com
https://longhorncomedy.com
https://thanku4yourservice.com
https://www.instagram.com/longhornthecomedian
https://www.amazon.com/Messages-Madness-Vernon-Longhorn-Davis/dp/B08X5GPP9S
https://www.facebook.com/LonghornTheComedianFanPage/
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men who use creativity, service, and storytelling to influence culture and spark meaningful dialogue.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives
THE MALE PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of The Male Perspective is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and the sharing of personal experiences that highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD
Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood is an intergenerational community of Black women who come together for relaxed, non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in everyday life.
TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards honors local communities and showcases the creativity, brilliance, and lived experiences of Black voices across the United States.