Podcast // Hala Abdelnour
Key points we discussed:
• Hala's role as CEO of the Institute of Non-Violence and her work in the family violence sector
• The importance of addressing racism in the context of family dynamics
• Our collaborative process in creating 'A Letter To My Daughter'
• The power of poetry and art in tackling sensitive social issues
• Insights into the current state of gender relations and how to foster positive change
• The role of men in preventing family violence and promoting equality
• Strategies for raising awareness about family violence and anti-racism
• The impact of cultural backgrounds on perceptions of family dynamics
• How poetry can bridge gaps in understanding and promote empathy
• Future initiatives and projects at the Institute of Non-Violence
In the latest episode of the Luka Lesson Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Hala Abdelnour, CEO of the Institute of Non-Violence in Melbourne, Australia.
Our conversation delved deep into crucial topics surrounding family violence, anti-racism, and the power of art in addressing these issues.
Hala's extensive experience in the family violence and anti-racism sectors provided a wealth of insights, making this episode both enlightening and deeply moving.
We explored the intersection of poetry and social change, culminating in our collaboration on 'A Letter To My Daughter,' a poetic piece focusing on the relationship between men and women in today's world.
This episode is not just a conversation; it's a call to action. Hala's passion for creating a safer, more equitable world is truly inspiring, and our collaboration on 'A Letter To My Daughter' aims to contribute to this vital dialogue.
I encourage everyone to listen to this powerful episode. It's an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of these critical issues and to reflect on how we can all contribute to positive change in our communities.
You can find more information about the Institute of Non-Violence and their initiatives at www.ionv.com.au/engage.
Remember, change starts with understanding, and understanding often begins with listening. Tune in to this episode, and let's continue this important conversation together.
A L E T T E R T O M Y D A U G H T E R
You are the sound
of a birds wings unfurling
the twitching of feathers
hovering above the shadows
Shimmering light
reflecting off the waves
in the bay of hope
And when you are born
and you grow up
I will have to bring to you a warning
There will be men
who bring shotgun tongues
into peaceful houses
who drink
just to float with the empty bottles
above their own histories
who carry manhood
like a dead wolf slain across their shoulders
Men who say
that the shortest distance
between two opinions
is a clenched fist
Who frequent bars
just to speak to each other
in voices louder than their own demons
no man can shout louder than his demons
My daughter
there will be men
Who take maximum credit
for making minimum effort
My daughter
if history teaches us anything…
Your great-great-grandmother
visits me in dreams
She is always wearing black
she appears to me
with the ghosts of women
who were stoned in the villages
who were burned in the town squares
Abandoned by their husbands
or exiled by their fathers
women who had to raise sons
who they knew would one day
raise their fists against the town’s daughters
Η προ προ γιαγια σου
She tells me
every man must face his forefathers sins wilfully
unpack the boxes of the false prophets
unpick the patterns of power
un-ball his fists
decorate his own palms in heritage
and humility
or risk a forced reckoning
My daughter
I’ve seen my own karma as a man
frozen like a tsunami mid-surge
above the roof of our house
I’ve seen the wounded inheritance
the hurt I’ve caused
etched beneath my skin
my mistakes
sit like sediment
heavy in my lungs
and I’m still learning how to speak them
But you
you’re the sound
of a bell chiming
the sound of the universe
turning in a spiral
And your great great grand-mother
visits me in dreams
she’s always wearing black
but she is always turning soil
sowing seeds
in the dirt for you
Helping us cultivate a clean tomorrow.
-Luka Lesson
Luka is a poet, rapper, Australian Poetry Slam Champion and Ancient History buff who can’t keep his hands off the classics. Luka has toured extensively throughout the world and is often bouncing ideas off Athenian columns and global politics as he finds his way, giving commentary on life and writing as a modern philosopher, performer and full-time poet.
Luka Lesson draws on his creative powers to either create new poetry inspired by conversations with guests from across the planet, or do a deep dive into his own catalogue of poetry and rap verses, using them as a sounding board for new conversations. His own Greek heritage and the histories of the people he speaks to often filter through, as well as his love of story, mythology, social change and visions for the future.
