Train of Thoughts is committed to platforming stories that catalyze the revitalization of Bronzeville and inspire all to reshape our vision for the future.
Our screen on the east facade of the forum projects these stories daily and is visible from the 43rd Street green line stop.
Your story lives here.
Train of Thoughts is a unique storytelling and placemaking initiative that will engage and bring together Bronzeville residents by utilizing The Forum to share important neighborhood stories with commuters at the 43rd Street Green Line stop. It was inspired by - and partners with - Chicago Film Archives’ Everyday People initiative, which shares home movies and amateur films along Chicago’s public transit system. It will continuously broadcast stories told in multiple artistic disciplines that invite commuters to reflect on the past, reclaim the present and reimagine the future.
Visit totforum.com to learn more about Train of Thoughts.
The Forum, built in 1897, lives in the heart of Chicago's Bronzeville community and served as the epicenter of Black creativity for 75 years. The legacy of The Forum was threatened by demolition, but the community stepped in to save this historic treasure.
"The Forum: Reclaiming Bronzeville" is the story of The Forum's past, present and future as told by some of Bronzeville's leading culture changemakers.
To donate to The Forum's revitalization fund: givelively.org/donate/...
Most are familiar with the story of journalist Ida B. Wells. However, not much is shared about her husband, Ferdinand Lee, and the role Ida’s family played in her success. “A Bronzeville Love Story” features Michelle Duster, great-granddaughter of Ida B. Wells, and the Wells unearthed family story.
Visit mldwrites.com/ to discover more about how Michelle Duster is preserving the legacy of Ferdinand Lee and Ida B. Wells.
In our effort to find stories, these “Bronzeville voices” found us. This episode features neighbors who had direct experiences and memories with The Forum during its time of operation.
Visit our website and submit your story. You can be a part of Season 2!
The AFRICOBRA story is strictly a Chicago story. Pemon Rami and Arlene Turner Crawford share the “Wall of Respect” story and the movement it sparked in Chicago.
Click here to purchase Pemon Rami’s book “When Blackness Was Golden.”
This summer we hosted the film premiere for “Train of Thoughts” at The Creative Incubator on 51st Street.
Special guests included DCASE, Chef Cliff Rome, Binkey and more. In a few weeks, these stories will live on the side of The Forum under the Greenline on 43rd Street. The train is coming! Are you ready?
#TrainOfThoughts #Bronzeville #Chicago
