Category: Equality

Navigating the Shadows: Understanding the Impact of Post-Traumatic Slavery Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Black Men Today

In the intricate tapestry of today’s society, the repercussions of historical trauma manifest in diverse ways, notably affecting black men who grapple with the haunting legacies of both Post-Traumatic Slavery Disorder (PTSD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Despite distinct origins, these disorders share common ground, echoing the profound impact of systemic oppression and societal injustices.

The roots of PTSD in black men intertwine with the historical trauma of slavery, marked by centuries of dehumanization, violence, and institutionalized racism. Post-Traumatic Slavery Disorder, a term gaining recognition, addresses the enduring psychological scars borne from this dark period. In contrast, PTSD, often associated with war veterans, encompasses a broader range of traumatic experiences. Both, however, share the thread of relentless adversity and racial injustice, weaving a complex narrative that shapes the mental health landscape for black men.

The causes of these disorders are multifaceted, stemming from historical trauma, ongoing racial discrimination, and socio-economic disparities. The persistent systemic challenges faced by black men, from racial profiling to limited access to resources, contribute to a continuous state of heightened stress. The cumulative effect of these factors fosters an environment where mental health struggles can thrive.

Effectively addressing these disorders necessitates a comprehensive approach. Culturally sensitive therapy, community support, and dismantling systemic racism are pivotal steps. Tailored therapeutic interventions recognizing the unique aspects of post-traumatic slavery experiences can provide a pathway to healing. Moreover, fostering resilience within communities and advocating for equitable policies are essential to breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma.

In conclusion, acknowledging the nuanced intersectionality of Post-Traumatic Slavery Disorder and PTSD in black men is crucial for developing effective strategies for healing and resilience. By dismantling systemic barriers, fostering empathy, and embracing a holistic approach to mental health, society can contribute to creating an environment where black men can confront and overcome the shadows of the past, forging a path toward a more equitable and just future.

It’s okay….

Last week I had a reminder that what I was doing was ok. As I was having a bad day and feeling down about the direction I was taking. I was at a gathering when someone said to me “man you are busy Run Boy Run Productions is everywhere!” I paused Smiled and said thank you. The funny part is that when I walked into the building I had been in my feelings and felt like I was doing things wrong and that looking out for others was setting myself up for failure. It was in that moment when she said those words it helped me to understand what I was doing was ok and looking out for others was ok too. I felt so good about that moment then other things started popping up on my time line that also leaned into helping me to understand what I was doing was ok. After awhile I made sure I got on my messenger and let the UE family know about this as I look at the moments as a reflection of them and what we all have made. In my mind I am no more then a person that allows others to bring strength and life into a creation and when they do it is noticed. With that being said I told them how proud I am of them and all they have done throughout the years. For me so many deserve the praise that comes with this and through the years many and I’m not talking about just the actors but the collaborators, the team members, and the volunteers without any this feeling of strength is because of them. And with that moment I sat down to understand and feel ok.

It Begins 

  The cast made it down after a long haul 4hrs drive in a van and Nic in a car but they made it. I really wanted to get them settled in but because of time we had to get ready for the show. Everyone flipped around flopped around but changed into characters as fast as they got here and it was showtime.

  
The crowd was thin but this was with the right people to get more out. With journalist, photographs,vlogers and blogers on hand all this meant was Friday was going to be the turn up show. In the end all that came enjoyed and event shed tears. Last words said I can’t wait to see this again. Let’s get ready people more to come..

  

A Womans Rythm 

In a place that was once the Women’s Kensington Hospital the ancestry of women speak. Drum like a lady Latrice and Jamillah allowed the sounds of the drum to bring in the spirits as the crowd couldn’t help but participate as the heard the drum of the mothers like it was the heart beat of our beginning of rhythm. Showing us rhythm through beat boxing bring the people together through life of rhythm.  

But song can be created through woven rhythm as well as Lynda Grace shows in her she utilizes fiber woven vessels to create a medium ancestry speaking from a past life of mothers wombs to life’s moments of meeting individuals from scrap metal collectors to the black lives matters experience. Beginning from the grandmother showing her and watching her knit, her knitting was a form of community seeing that words can build a shield.
 
Although they have meet in conjunction with this project the art that speaks through Lynda’s has has extended into the photography of Sheenas.

Sheena Garcia speaks through pictures with stories ranging from single mothers protecting their sons and seeing the need to hold on to a sons life with a black and white imagery that leaves you understanding why these lives matter. 
  
The owner of this building Betsey Casanas maybe short in stature but her calling as an artist speaks to a higher level as she opens the doorway into her culture with demential artistry that looks as alive as the the cock story tale that began the piece.  Engulfed in enjoyment roots energy and culture the people came in the building getting a story fluid with diversity but in the end containing a wholeness that only these women could spin.

Sold Performance 

Some performances are made off of just talent a person believing that to be an actor is all about just learning how to nail the line. Truth is its about more than that in many cases it’s about the unwritten words that show in facial expressions the crinkle in your voice the eyes drawing the audience in. 

  
For Nichole Spain she has drawn off that energy to latch people into another descent of acting and theater that most look at as passé. Truth is it is here where actors have to rely on the courage within the soul of self and not just the ability to speak because here your emotions must become believable. 

  
In this world she can find her comfort but it is only when she believes in self that all else will not matter and the ticket brought on this day is marked sold because all now believe. 

Sisters United

If you didn’t know runboyrunprod is involved in everything. Last night was about the stage play #mysisterskeeper part of the #thinkcreateinspire festival with director writer Jody ‘Tru Story’ Austin assistant directors Tiffani Dean and Antoine K D Stroman. With an all woman cast covering powerful and emotional subjects, these women proved that #poetictheater is here to stay.
  
For Jody this was a dream come true as she took the moments of pain noticed in all women’s lives and made it a journey of sisterhood that could not be denied. 

  
 
Covering matters of mental, physical and emotional abuse, self perseverance, body images, social awareness, equal rights and many more this play has answered the called that women have been waiting for and is the beginning of a journey that will go beyond the stage. 

  
Take a bow ladies for the night is yours and the road has just begun.

The Face

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To be a good actor you have to be something like a criminal, to be willing to break the rules to strive for something new.

“Nicolas Cage”

Join Andrew Chupa in his stage debut in “Redemption”

Bringing Andrew in to the cast has been a treat watching him give the role his all and every week bring a new facet to the character. Andrew takes acting serious and it shows as he takes in the process of understanding what the character is going through in a relationship that is tortured by his actions.

 

Rehearsal in a new year


We start the new year off the right way. Rehearsal is a scorcher and the UE actors showed that they came prepared with words as there weapons each members held their own. We also introduced new members to the core that showed this opportunity was one they could stand.

An Artist Worth

  
When you have talent it is often others that recognize it. We usually never see the creative marks we instill within our work our craft or how we surround ourselves around those that help build the character we have become. 

  
But then comes that day when you realize that you are a talent a gift and you can do it that the fear that stopped you now becomes the motivation behind the force that will allow you to grow and see you are worth more then even you imagined as the talent shines brightly.

Actors Grind 

Week two was a good one as the UE cast began exploring the characters a little more. Beginning the session as usual,we had a discussion concerning how each person felt towards the character they would be portraying. For many they already saw the relation of how these characters can be someone in their lives. From utilizing life events many saw themselves as a mother loosing her child or a trash man or teacher talking to kids trying to help them onto a straight path. With the vision of stepping in these shoes life was able to be brought to these characters.

 
For the vets reprising roles was both easy and hard as it becomes a moment of generating that emotional felling back up but first it needed to be summoned through the memory of words to cast life once again.  

In some cases it became more of a call to stepping up that would prove to be the challenge as it would be more so about them being able to lead and getting others to follow. However as the path is laid out seeing the emotion of all will prove to be the tops of the actors grind.