Art

I’m returning to the blogsphere after a long absence. Although, I haven’t been submitting post on a regular basis, I continue to read and admire the great work being written on a daily basis.

Who am I? I am a retired New York City public school teacher. History, economics, and literature were the subjects that I devoted over twenty years teaching to students in Brownsville, Coney Island and Staten Island. It was challenging, frustrating but I enjoyed every minute of everyday attempting to help young people find themselves and succeed in a very difficult world.

Politics, voting rights, state politics are a few of the subjects I hope to write about. We are living in a period of reactionary politics: how could a realty show host organize a viable campaign for the presidency? Our government leaders have made it more difficult for people to vote; they are trying to restrict immigration into the country; Islamphobia is rampant across the land. “The best lack all convictions, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity..” as has been written.

I would love to connect with the general reading public, and join the conversation about the future of the country, and how we all can get involved to strengthened our democracy. Over the next year, I will hope to continue to improve my craft, and join the ranks of the many wonderful writers who are setting the agenda for this nation and the world.

Tommy Ford’s first break in film happened after he graduated from University of Southern California , and auditioned in 1989 for a part in Harlem Night starring Eddie Murphy, Redd Foxx, and Richard Pryor. And, the rest is history.

Ironically, he is directing a film titled Conflict of Interests starring, of course, Bria Murphy, daughter of Eddie Murphy which will premiere this fall. A screening of the film will be held Thursday, Aug. 6, at the a/perture Cinema in downtown Winston-Salem, N.C. as part of the National Black Theater week.

As part of the festivities this week, Mr. Ford presented a reading to elementary children and neighborhood residents as part of his “I’ve Got A Job Literacy Program” that emphasizes improving the self-worth and images of young black children. He read from his children’s book I Am Responsible and I Am Beautiful to about 100 children and adults at the Malloy-Jordan Library in East Winston on Wednesday.

Born in Los Angeles, Mr. Ford, who is a director, author, actor and motivational speaker, has starred in several hit television series including Martin, New York Undercover, Jamie Foxx Show, The Parkers, Who’s Got Joke, and Let’s Stay Together.

Recently, he has been pursuing a long time dream and launched a series of award winning children’s books that are designed to promote healthy, spiritual, and non-violent living while guiding young people towards becoming better people.

“Two things that God gave everyone,” Ford told the young people. “The power to choose, and the power to change. “Young people you are beautiful, powerful and awesome. I want you to choose success over failure, wealth over poverty, and education over ignorance…”