In this episode, we speak with D'Annette Roy, producer of Spotlight: Domestic Violence, a documentary that raises awareness of the devastating impact of domestic violence in Montgomery County, Maryland. We discuss the roots and consequences of the domestic violence epidemic, and the steps that we as a society must take in order to change the paradigm and break the cycle of domestic violence.
Ms. Roy is an using her skills not only to give back to her community, but to tackle complex and challenging issues that need attention. Domestic violence is such an issue, charged with complexity but necessary to unpack. It is an issue that is rarely given the urgent attention that it requires, so is necessary for us to continuously bring it to light so that it can be addressed with appropriate measures. The health and wellbeing of women is intrinsically tied to the health and wellbeing of a community.
Ms. Roy’s documentary, Spotlight: Domestic Violence has been submitted for consideration for a 2017 Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, and Telly Award.
You can view the documentary here:
https://youtu.be/tWOJZ6asCs0
Highlights from this week’s episode:
"Anyone who knows me knows I'm a strong women's advocate, but more than anything I'm a human rights advocate. . . Domestic violence is an epidemic of global proportion that must be addressed!" - Judithe Registre
"It is not normal to go out and hurt the person you love." - D'Annette Roy
"Whether you like it or not, domestic violence has to do with love." - D'Annette Roy
Kendra Blackett-Dibinga joins me in studio to discuss her business and how she's building inclusive communities through yoga. As a host, I have the greatest respect for this woman. Kendra is simply killing it as a mother, a wife, an entrepreneur, a business owner, an activist, a citizen and, above all, a human being. We discuss her journey and aspiration to create an inclusive yoga community where people can care for themselves and each other. As you will hear in this episode, her impact and influence are deep and significant.
Our health and well-being are reflections of our community’s health, so we have to persevere. “We all have issues,” Kendra explains, “but we can all gain control of our lives. My role is to help people connect by creating a community where that is possible. We want people to connect. It is needed for our survival.”
Judithe and Kendra highlight the inclusive beginnings and nature of Bikram Yoga.
“When I found yoga, it was like—oh my God—this is everything I wanted. I realized that what I was yearning for was a connection.” – Kendra
“After someone takes a class, they shouldn't want to run out!” – Kendra
“You can't do this yoga—I mean really do it—and be a nasty person. The nastiness sheds away.” – Kendra
“When you look in that mirror and you realize how not perfect you are, you can't expect perfection from anyone else!” – Kendra
“We're getting people...people who would have never ever tried yoga before, but they're coming because of who we are. And that's lovely, because they need it!”
– Kendra
Check out Kendra’s Studio. If you’re in DC, sign up for a class and experience this feeling of community. http://www.bikramyogariveric.com/
In this episode, Judithe brings us back to the Global Women’s March in D.C. We hear from comedian and artist, Sarah Jones; Cecile Richards of President of Planned Parenthood; Linda Sarsour, one of the driving forces behind the Women's March movement; Kimberle Crenshaw of African American Policy Forum; and Andrea Cristina Mercado of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. We also continue our discussion of the global ramifications with Emily Miller, an American living abroad in the UK. Feminism IS an intersectional movement, and fostering community is our way forward. This is a movement of movements.
"We are here to reclaim what progressive patriotism, 'matriotism,' looks like in our own authentic voices!" - Sarah Jones
"Either you’re moving towards openness and being together, tolerance, or you’re moving the other way." - Emily Miller
"I marched today for many reasons, not least of which [is] because this is what my mama taught me to do." - Cecile Richards
"If you're not intersectional, I'm not organizing with you!" - Linda Sarsour
"When you’re not in the room, who’s in the room for you?" - Kimberle Crenshaw, African American Policy Forum
"When I say I’m an intersectional feminist, it’s not so much an identity-- it’s a practice, it’s a commitment. It’s a commitment." - Kimberle Crenshaw, African American Policy Forum
We conclude our conversation with James Dold. His work with youth will inspire and uplift you, and his message might convince you that justice means more sometimes than "fair".
"If children are not deserving of our mercy? Who among us is?"
"...folks that exhibit that moral courage. Political consequences be damned, they are gonna do the right thing because it's the right thing to do!"
"Hope is the seed that leads to love, because hope is what allows us to be courageous. It's what allows us to see a better future."