Tramaine Montell Ford Blog

  Cabrini Green Poem Cabrini Green In the heart of Chicago's sprawl, Stood Cabrini Green, proud and tall. A home to many, dreams and fears, A tale of joy, of blood, and tears. Bricks of red, concrete so white, Echoes of laughter screams in the night. A neighborhood, a community, A symbol of disparity. Once a beacon of new beginnings, For war workers, for veterans' winnings. But time, neglect, and politics, Turned dreams into urban myths. The children played on the Blacktop ground, Where hope was lost, yet still found. Block parties, Old School Mondays, Moments of joy in the harshest of days. But shadows grew long, as did despair, Gangs and crime, a daily affair. Cabrini Green, a name to dread, Yet, for some, a place where love was bred. Poems of light, as towers fell, Youth gave voice to a farewell. A legacy in the city's lore, A story of what once was, no more. Now, the land where high-rises stood, Is gentrified, a new neighborhood. But in memory, in hearts, it stays, Cabr...

I recently had the privilege of experiencing a session with Allison Bennett, MSW, a Shamanic Energy Medicine Practitioner, and therapist who guided me through TRE® (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises). From the moment we began, it was evident that Allison possesses a deep understanding of both the physical and psychological dimensions of stress, tension, and trauma. TRE® is truly innovative, working with the body's natural reflex mechanisms to release deeply ingrained patterns of tension. Allison expertly facilitated this process, creating a space of safety and trust that allowed me to fully engage with the practice. Her mindfulness and sensitivity were palpable throughout the session, ensuring that I felt supported and at ease every step of the way. Having not explored TRE® since my time at Harvard's American Repertory Theatre, I was amazed by the profound impact it had on me under Allison's guidance. The soothing vibrations and gentle release of muscular tension lef...

LETTER TO RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NY  Dear RMH NYC Admin, My name is Tramaine Montell Ford and I was a fairly recent guest at the Ronald McDonald House in Winfield, Illinois where my niece Ané Ford was housed for radiation treatments. I was forever changed by the experience of staying 2 weeks in RMH. The RMH’s mission, operating concept, facility, staff, volunteer staff, generous donors, and overall atmosphere blew me away as a place of healing, support, and joy for families— not just my own, but of other grateful families I had the pleasure of meeting while there. I love working with youth and have steadily for the past 5 years as a teaching Artist for  The Town Hall's Arts in Education Outreach  for a number of elementary and high schools in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and The Bronx. With The Town Hall NY, I thoroughly enjoyed fulfilling teaching artist residencies at  Civic Leadership Academy  and  Excel Charter Schools , both of which culminated into rewarding a...

THE SANCTUARY BRIDGE PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY  Dear Sanctuary Staff, Growing up in Chicago’s Cabrini Green Housing Projects, a community riddled with gangs, violence, and poverty, I defied the odds, earning a Bachelor's Degree in theatre from Syracuse University and Master's Degrees from Harvard University. These accomplishments, celebrated by many as the epitome of success, did little to shield me from the traumatic experiences of my youth, experiences that would shape the course of my life. As I transitioned into adulthood, the insidious effects of the trauma I had endured began to surface. The echoes of my past haunted my emotional well-being, and it became increasingly clear that my journey was far from the conventional success story that others perceived. At the age of 35, the toll of my tumultuous background manifested in a series of devastating losses — my cousin and best friend Andre, fell victim to gun violence; my uncle succumbed to a heroin overdose, and tragically,...

KINGS: A NEW AFRICA (SERIES) TREATMENT Narrative Treatment “ Kings: A New Africa ” (2024), Season 1, Episode 101 , [Pilot - Part I] “Who’s Your King?” (60min); Two Kings, a wealthy American-African same-sex political power-couple ruling Africa in 2060, find themselves in a viciously unrelenting battle of love and war.  [This program contains coarse language and adult situations. Viewer discretion is advised.] Time; January 2062 (/w flashbacks) Location; Cape Town, Africa     The scene opens on the Main Quarters of the palace of New Africa in 2062. A violent sparring match is occurring, as it is heard off screen, and through The Infinite Hall. Two men awaken to a tense breakfast in the Dining Quarters. They play battle of the wits in a quarrel over impending executive decisions regarding new tactics and strategies concerning the country’s growing threats, and their military. Chief of Staff, Maria, Head of Security, Dillon, The King’s Hand, Quintin, and s...

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