Graves to Gardens Podcast

In today's episode I sit down with filmmaker Cynthia Salzman Mondell and artist Sandra Lara to discuss their partnership on the film, In Her Shoes. This documentary captures the stories of incarcerated women at the Dallas County Jail in Dallas Texas but what makes their approach so unique is that the connective tissue between each of these women's stories is it all begins with a shoe in mind. Hear Cynthia and Sandra's take on the experience guiding the women to unearth some of their fondest memories to those who begin to find healing from past trauma using shoes as an entry-point. You check out this as well as Cynthia's other film projects by visiting her website here. Also be sure to check out the book Inside This Place, Not of It here.

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Today’s episode features a very special guest, Reverend Cheryl Dawson. Sister Dawson is a former member of the Black Panther Party and has since continued to advocate for the liberation of Black people (more specifically Black women) by serving women in prison and women across the globe.

During this impromptu story time, she takes us through her life yet focusing mainly on the needs of the women that are entangled in the criminal legal system - her story and theirs beautifully enmeshed into one. As she continues to fight for a brighter future for the women she has been called to minister to, Reverend Dawson needs our help to keep the work alive and get the word out which is what this episode is meant to do. I am in awe of her spirit, fervor and tenacity when it comes to her activism after all these years. And I encourage each of you to get connect with her or at the very least be inspired to take after her example by just reaching out to the next person you come across in need. It can look as simple as a friendly smile to say I see you or sharing what you have with the next person.

Speaking of going out and doing for others, that brings me to my call to action. First, make sure to follow Sister Dawson on Instagram. Also, make sure to pickup and share your thoughts with me on the book Comrade Sisters which you can purchase here. And as always, be sure to share this episode with a friend and make sure to subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already!

1 Corinthians 13:6

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

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For today's episode, I was blessed to be in conversation with award winning artist, creative director and community activist, Erwin Hines. Erwin is the mastermind behind the San Diego based brand Future Is Color. We discuss his work with the brand from his recent collaboration with Footlocker (which you can still shop the line in stores) to their different ways of engaging with the community. This was such a rich conversation full of light, laughter and ways pointing back to how we can think of our commitments to social activism and just pouring into the communities that serve us.

The first and most obvious call-to-action is head over to Future Is Color’s website and Instagram and make sure to follow their journey. But don’t just stop there! Be sure to shop the brand. You can either snag the last of FIC x Footlocker’s collection or you can head over to the brand’s website and purchase any of the items straight from the site. And my final call to action is become a friend of Future Is Color. Tell your friends about the brand and make sure to continue to support and uplift this wonderful collective in their efforts to make space for black youth to dare to dream.

Proverbs 23:18

“Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”

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In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mychal Pagan and Vincenzo Guido, two men connected to the incredible organization Thrive for Life. Thrive for Life began with Father Zachariah F. Presutti’s ministry behind the walls in New York prison facilities. His efforts have since evolved into this re-entry and pre re-entry program that is adding to the quality of life for many of those returning home. In 2019 Thrive for Life opened its first transitional supportive learning community, Ignacio House of Studies, which allowed returning citizens a place to both rest their heads and be surrounded by a community that encouraged focusing on completing one’s education. Many have benefited from their service, one of which being Mychal. 

Ignacio House currently partners with NYU, Columbia University, St. Francis University and Cornell University among others. In today’s discussion, Mychal shares his experience of having come home to a community like Thrive for Life and how it has shaped him in his activist efforts and life in general today. You’ll also hear from Vincenzo, the Director of Development and Communications, on the foundations of the organization and all that Thrive for Life has in store for the future!

As today’s call-to-action, be sure to check out Thrive for Life’s website and Instagram. You can support their ministry by signing up to volunteer or by donating. You can follow Mychal on Instagram as well to get connected with him and his work. Finally, if you are interested in viewing Thrive for Life’s Giving Tuesday 2022 full video, you can find it here.

Proverbs 18:24

“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”

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In this next chapter of the Black History Month series, I had the opportunity to speak with two men involved with making of The Visiting Room Project. The Visiting Room Project’s incredible approach to shedding light on the sweeping number of individuals serving life without parole in Louisiana has undoubtedly touched many; and I can bet it will have a similar impact on you. In today’s episode you’ll hear from both a participant of the project, Everett Offray, and the man who conceived the idea for this project, Dr. Marcus Kondkar. This episode provides an opportunity for you to both learn a bit about from Everett and learn more on the reality of men imprisoned at Angola or Louisiana State Penitentiary.

As today’s call-to-action, be sure to check out The Visiting Room Project here. You can also learn more about the history of life without parole in Louisiana here and you can read up on the history of Angola here. For more information on the project, check out this article published by The Guardian here. You can follow The Visiting Room Project both on Instagram and on Twitter. Be sure to also find Everett on his Instagram here.

John 21:16

“He said to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me? He said unto Him, Yea, Lord; You know I love You. He said unto him, Feed My sheep.”

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In this episode as part of Graves to Garden Podcast’s Black History Month series, I’ll be highlighting the contributions of another phenomenal woman, Syrita Steib. Syrita is the Founder and Executive Director of a Louisiana-based organization called Operation Restoration. In today’s discussion we talk over everything from the history of the organization to the legendary ways she has empowered other women in her community to let their light shine. Every woman who comes through the doors of Operation Restoration is amazing women who cater to the building up of the whole woman so that she is ready to take on the world in her own unique way and this wouldn’t be possible without the visionary herself striving for this with the creation of the organization.

As today’s call-to-action, be sure to support Operation Restoration either by donating or serving. Be sure to also follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. If you are also interested in learning more about the exhibition that Syrita took part in creating you can click the link here. Unthinkable Imagination: A Creative Response to the Juvenile Justice Crisis will be on display until June of this year!

Matthew 5:16

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”

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Research shows that 4 in 10 Black women experience physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime and Black and Hispanic women represent 53% of domestic violence arrests in 2020 according to data reported by the Judicial Branch. These numbers show that Black and brown victims of intimate partner violence are then funneled into a system that further perpetuates harm rather than providing women with the necessary support that they need to heal and move past their trauma. I am not the only one who thinks this isn't right. The women of the Women's Community Justice Association have made it their life's work to advocate for those women left behind in the system.

In today's episode you'll hear from Reverend Sharon White-Harrigan and Leah Faria about their involvement with putting an end to the cycle of violence. You can support Sharon, Leah and WCJA by: 1. donating, 2. joining the Justice 4 Women Task Force, and 3. signing the #BEYONDrosies petition. Remember, abuse comes in many forms: physical, emotional, mental, verbal, financial, even spiritual and you are deserving of relationships that are healthy and affirming to your humanity. If you or anyone you know is in an abusive relationship or may need someone to reach out to please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233). Or if you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal ideations please visit the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or dial 988. 

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective)

NAMI

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Today I'm kicking off season 3 in pre-Black History Month fashion with a really special conversation. For today's episode I'm joined by artist, activist and all-around amazing entrepreneur OlaRonke Akinmowo. Ola has spent years on the frontlines of activism in Brooklyn, NY challenging presence of police in her community. However, after years of involvement as a community activist she found herself ready to explore a new approach. This is where the creation of The Free Black Women's Library comes in.

In today's episode we talk about it all: from her prior activism work, the startup and growth of the library and how the two overlap. Be sure to follow Ola on Instagram and make sure to also check out her website here. Again as this week's call to action is to consider ways that you can support the mission of The Free Black Women's Library and also make sure to share with me what book you'll be reading all Black History Month long!

Don't forget to like, leave a comment and share this episode with a friend. To check out the full video of Ola on Drew Barrymore's show, click the link here. You can also watch the original clip of Ola talking about the meaning of the library shared at 5 minutes in today's episode here. 

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In the final chapter of Caring for Our Communities we wrap up the discussion talking about an array of issues from the posting bail to the difficulties of finding a job once entangled with the criminal legal system. Again, I am joined in conversation with the co-founder of the National Bail Out, Arissa Hall, fitness instructor at ConBody, Peter Roman and Civil Rights Attorney, Blerim Elmazi. We beautifully end this season and episode with a message of hope that I pray inspires each one of you!

To further engage with the issues discussed in today’s episode I recommend you check out the work of The National Bail Out. You can donate to their cause here. I also ask that in the spirit of giving this season you support the gym Peter trains at, ConBody here.  Please also make sure to check out Blerim Elmazi’s law office. You can also follow him on Instagram here.

Finally, I want to remind you of the scripture verse that we’ve been meditating on the last few episodes. The verse comes from Zechariah 9:12 (NLT) which reads, “Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles.” I believe this verse paints a powerful picture of restoration and holding out for promised blessings even in the face of adversity. Continue to meditate on this verse until next time!

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This is part 2 of Caring for Our Communities featuring the same round of panelists: co-founder of the National Bail Out, Arissa Hall, fitness instructor at ConBody, Peter Roman and Civil Rights Attorney, Blerim Elmazi. In today’s episode we pickup with the discussion of citizens rights. What is unique about today’s discussion is that we dive deeper into what are ways to navigate an encounter with an officer as well as ways that community members across the country are finding ways to police the police.

To further engage with the issues discussed in today’s episode I recommend you check out the book Are Prisons Obsolete here. I also ask that in the spirit of giving this season you support Peter’s gym, ConBody here.  Finally, I’d like to encourage you all to meditate on Zechariah 9:12 (NLT) which reads, “Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles.” I believe this verse paints a powerful picture of restoration and holding out for promised blessings even in the face of adversity. Continue to meditate on this verse until the next time!

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