VOA – CONNECT
EPISODE # 143
AIR DATE 10 09 2020
TRANSCRIPT
OPEN ((VO/NAT))
((Banner))
Peace in the Water
((SOT))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
For me this morning, I definitely want to leave stress on land.
And in the water, I'm just looking to find playfulness
today. Just have fun and let everything go.
((Animation Transition))
((Banner))
Forging from Scratch
((SOT))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
As far as I can tell and find, I am the only woman building
copper cookware from scratch.
((Animation Transition))
((Banner))
Spreading Joy
((SOT))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
For people who are still hesitant to leave their house, this is
a way to bring nature into their house. It's a little bit of
beauty and enjoyment.
((Open Animation))
BLOCK A
((PKG)) BLACK GIRLS SURF
((Banner: Black Girls Surf))
((Reporter/Camera: Arturo Martínez))
((Courtesy/Extra footage: Dave Malana, Tandem Boogie,
Black Girls Surf))
((Map: Los Angeles, California))
((Main characters: 2 females))
((Sub characters: 5 females; 2 males))
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
When I was growing up, I heard so much, “Well, Black
people don't swim”. And I heard that from my father. When
he first took me to the beach, he said, “Don't go out past the
whitewash. If something happens to you, I'm not coming to
get you.” And for me that meant, “OK, well, I got to learn
how to swim. I got to learn how to take care of myself out
here because he's not coming to help me.”
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
My name is Lizelle Jackson. Pre-COVID, I was an active
travel guide. Post-COVID now, I'm a surf instructor.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
Paddle. Paddle. Jump. That’s better.
Black Girls Surf, you know, their intention is to get more
Black women to be professional surfers. And so, right now,
we're just working here in the L.A. chapter trying to get as
many women of color in the water as possible. And then,
eventually, hopefully there'll be some women from that stage
that would like to progress on to the professional stage.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
I mean, you take something like Bruce's Beach. In the early
1900s, there was a Black beach resort there and
eventually they were kicked out. They were forced to move
further inland and so, Black people lost one of the few
beaches that they could go to. So, I mean, you look at
something like that. If there is only one slice of beach that
Black people could utilize at that point, then it's no wonder
we don't have more Black surfers. A lot of times, surfing is
something, is passed down from generation to
generation. You see surfer dads out there with their little
daughters, pushing them into the waves. Well, our dads
didn't have that opportunity.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
So, on a board like this, you are going to do something
called the turtle roll.
((Samantha Johnson, Chef, Surf Learner))
Oh, I've seen that. I’ve YouTube-ed it. I YouTube things
and yeah, I've never done that.
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
So this one, you can't duck dive.
One of the reasons I keep coming out here is because I wish
there had been somebody when I was first learning, that was
there for me to look up to and someone that looked like
me. And, I think, when you don't see yourself represented
in, whether it's those media images or whether it's just
looking out in the water, it can be difficult. And so, if we can
create this space where women of color, Black women, feel
safe to come into and feel safe learning and that they
already feel like, “OK, I can handle myself here.” And that’s
what we're really looking to do, right, is just to empower
women to feel that they belong in this ocean, no matter
which beach they go to.
((NATS))
((Surfer))
Everyone circle up.
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
I want to thank everyone today for coming out. It's wonderful
to see you all and all your beautiful faces. If you don't have
a flower, please stop by and grab a yellow rose. I will have
Rhonda speak today from Senegal and she's speaking at all
the other paddle outs worldwide.
((NATS))
((Rhonda Harper, Founder, Black Girls Surf))
Good morning. This is Rhonda Harper from Black Girls
Surf. These paddle outs are peaceful protests for lives lost
to police brutality and racism in America. Black lives matter.
((NATS))
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
Today, we're honoring the lives of those lost: Breonna
Taylor, George Floyd, Vanessa Guillen and hundreds of
more lives. The belief is that it’s our individual, collective
responsibility to participate rather than ignore, to prevent
rather than react, to preserve rather than degrade, because
this is our time to do so. When you paddle out into the water
today and you release those roses in honor of those who
have fallen, think of something you want to bring back with
you into this new society we are creating, something that's
healing, something that you wish to see more of in the world
that you feel that is not there.
((NATS))
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
It's beautiful, isn't it?
My name is Sayuri and I am the Los Angeles SoCal Chapter
Coordinator for Black Girls Surf. This is happening
worldwide today in several other counties as well as around
the world. And the support was real, like, we started out with
eight people and then it went to, like, 20. We brought 60
roses. All the roses are gone.
((NATS))
((Event participant))
Thank you so much.
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
Thank you guys for coming out. Did you guys get in the
water? Did you go in the water?
((Event participant))
Yes, they did.
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
Awesome.
Surfing? Are you interested in surfing?
((Event participant))
I would love, like, I've always wanted to learn to surf but I
never knew anyone and never had, like, friends to go to take
a class.
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
All right, cool. Then you should come out to one of our
board meetings because all we do is get together and surf.
((Event participant))
That is awesome.
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
So, we have events like this. We have surf therapy
days. We have board meetings. And we are also starting
our surf camps up this summer. And that's where we get
girls that are ages 11 to 17 in the water and on the board
and we start training them to surf professionally.
((NATS))
((Darryl Knox, L.A. Resident))
I wish I could've got that one. That's OK though. I love
seeing her in the water. It’s not just about African American
versus any other race. It's just seeing your children have fun
and doing things that they like to do is always a
pleasure. As rare as it is to see somebody like Tiger Woods
in golf, it's probably just as rare to see African Americans out
on the water and I don't think we live in a lot of the beach
communities, especially in the US.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
Inhale that action.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
Big exhale.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
Sayuri and I would just like to start by officially welcoming
you to the Black Girls Surf, the BGS Surf Therapy
Program. Today, we just kind of want to address those, you
know, what are those things that you're looking to leave on
land and what is it that you want to find in the water? For me
this morning, I definitely want to leave stress on land. And in
the water, I'm just looking to find playfulness today. Just
have fun and let everything go.
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
So, I want to leave frustration on land and then what I want
to find in the water is always peace.
((Event participant))
I want to leave my anxieties on land and I want to find, have
some stoked moments.
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
There we go. Stoked.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
A lot of experiences that you have in the water parallel life
itself. I mean, just getting out into the water is this constant
battle, right? But then you have these moments of calm and
peace. Like, I can see some of the choices that I make,
whether it's, “Am I going to paddle into this wave?” or, “Am I
just going to keep paddling all the waves?” That kind of
parallel, the way I behave in the real world. But also, I think
water, just in general, is extremely therapeutic. Just, it's
incredibly calming. I think it's, our bodies are what, about 70
percent water. So, it's almost like you're going home,
right? Like, going back into the womb and just feeling
comfortable and at peace.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
My hope is that we'll just start to see a much more diverse
lineup. And so, my hope is that one day, when we go out in
the water, when I see another surfer of color, it's not, like,
this kind of surprise. And I just want to get to the point
where that's normal, where we go out into the water and we
see all different shades, creeds, colors, whatever it is, and
that nobody bats an eye.
((NATS))
TEASE ((VO/NAT))
Coming up…..
((Banner))
Sticking with Tradition
((SOT))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
I will build traditional reproduction cookware that is built
exactly the way it has been done since the 1700s.
BREAK ONE
((ANIMATION EXPLAINER -- W/ GFX, CAPTIONS,
PHOTOS))
US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2020:
NOMINATION CONVENTION
BUMP IN ((ANIM))
BLOCK B
((PKG)) FEMALE COPPERSMITH
((Banner: Female Coppersmith))
((Reporter: Faiza Elmasry))
((Camera: Sara Dahman))
((Video Editor: Lisa Vohra))
((Map: Grafton, Wisconsin))
((Main characters: 1 female))
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Courtesy: Sara Dahmen))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
As far as I can tell and find, I am the only woman building
copper cookware from scratch, both the vintage ways and
more modern rendition of copper cookware.
((NATS))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
I had never taken a shop class. I didn't know how to operate
power tools. I didn't know any of the terminology.
((NATS))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
As a historical fiction writer, it's important to get your facts
right and to really dive into the past in order to bring it to the
future.
((Courtesy: Sara Dahmen))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
So, when I started to write Widow
1881 and eventually Tinsmith 1865, I was writing
about Pioneer women and discovered so much of what they
did. And where they spent their time was in the kitchen.
((Courtesy: Sara Dahmen))
((NATS))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
So, over time, I started to do more and more research
about Pioneer kitchens, American cookware and how was it
made and what was used? Eventually that became me
saying to my husband, ‘I want to start a cookware line. I
want it to be American made.’
((Courtesy: Sara Dahmen))
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
Flash forward a few more months and I decided to do even
more research and ended up discovering Bob Bartelme, who
is a traditional tinsmith, who lived a few minutes from my
home. He was generous enough to take me under his wing
and I ended up going there, multiple times a week, and I still
do even though it's been over four years now. I’m learning
from him.
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
In my new book, Copper, Iron and Clay, A Smith's Journey, I
talk about the process of starting a cookware line. I had to
ask a lot of questions and screw up and redo things over and
over and over again. I will build traditional reproduction
cookware that is built exactly the way it has been done since
the 1700s. I will also create more modern heavy-duty
pieces. I'll do custom designs based on people's specs that
they give me.
((NATS))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
All these machines are originally from the early 1800s,
starting about 1810 to 1820s. So, they still work. I still
use them and I’m still able to use them to build custom
pieces from scratch and everything still works the same as it
did 200 years ago.
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
There’s a lot of pieces that go into the elongation and the
heat treatment and that's all poured and done and ground
out on the West Coast and then shipped back here to
Wisconsin.
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
After that then, they're in my hands and they're raw. I have
to prepare them. Once I get a piece of copper cookware
over the tinning fire, then we can apply that very necessary
interior lining of tin which will make the cookware food-
safe. And when you're done with that, you still have a
beautiful piece of cookware, but there's usually a little bit of
clean up on the edge. There's definitely some polishing that
needs to happen to this piece, both on the buffing wheel and
hand polish. And once that is done, then, then this can go
home and be used for the next several hundred years.
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
The reason many chefs especially are gravitating towards it
still after all this time, is because of the precision you get
when you're cooking with it. Tin-lined copper cookware is 25
times more conductive than stainless steel. So, for a fraction
of the heat, you're getting the same if not better results. So,
it is not only energy efficient, but it allows for extreme
precision when you're cooking.
((NATS))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
It all comes down to using the right tools for the meal that
you're preparing in order to offer nourishment that is
correctly and beautifully and well prepared.
((NATS))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
So there's investments, there's fearlessness and there's
asking a lot of questions. And eventually over time, over
mistakes, over trial-and-error, you can eventually start calling
yourself a coppersmith.
((NATS))
TEASE ((VO/NAT))
Coming up…..
((Banner))
Spreading Joy
((SOT))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
This is flower food. It just gives them some nutrients, keeps
them living a little bit longer.
BREAK TWO
((ANIMATION EXPLAINER -- W/ GFX, CAPTIONS,
PHOTOS))
US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2020
BUMP IN ((ANIM))
BLOCK C
((PKG)) BLUE RIBBON FLORAL
((Banner: A Blooming Business))
((Reporter/Camera: June Soh))
((Map: Washington, DC; Fairfax, Virginia))
((Main characters: 1 female))
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Here you go. And just sign here. We are all set. Awesome,
enjoy!
((Customer))
Thank you.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
There you go.
((Customer))
Okay.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Hi, good morning.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Today is one of the busiest days I’ve had because it rained
yesterday and also the owners of this shopping
center promoted as well on social media and I actually had
some return customers too who saw it on my Instagram
post.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Hi.
((Customer))
How long have you been in business?
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
So, I started in November. I officially launched in
January. And then when the pandemic hit, I did a lot of
contactless deliveries which I’m still doing now, but now that
we can all be outside….
((Customer))
Yeah.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
And I feel safe outside.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
I am Ali Chrisler. I'm the creator and founder of Blue
Ribbon Floral which is a mobile flower truck in Washington,
DC. I do a number of fun activities. One is doing pop-ups at
different locations in Washington, DC and Maryland and
Virginia. I do all the preparation in my home studio and
then bring it outdoors for a truck pop-up.
((Courtesy: Blue Ribbon Floral))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
I grew up on a dairy farm and my mother owned a flower
shop in my hometown in Wisconsin and before that, my
grandmother owned a flower shop in my hometown as
well. So, I've always been around flowers in that capacity.
((Courtesy: Blue Ribbon Floral))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
And I am a trained researcher. I have a PhD in Human
Development and Family Studies and I've been doing
research and evaluation for about 10 years. I had a
miscarriage about a year ago and it threw me for a loop and
decided that I needed to really take stock of what was
important to me. And I decided to start this business
because starting a business has always been something I
wanted to do.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
I am off to purchase flowers for this week. I often go once or
twice a week, sometimes more, depending on if I have more
orders that come in the week. The question I'm asked
the most is, “Can you drive legally if you have a car where
you're sitting on the right side?” And yes, you can. When I
registered it with DC, it was never a question whether or not
it was legal. It's a legal vehicle.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
So, my truck is a Japanese imported. I bought it online,
sight unseen, from Miami and had it actually delivered to my
house. Then had it painted this bright blue and had an
awning fit for it. It is very small. It's a three-cylinder engine
meaning it's a size of a motorcycle but it's been a great fit for
me.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Often when I am choosing flowers, I am picking a variety of
colors, textures and also really focusing on long-lasting
flowers.
((NATS))
((Flower Wholesaler))
We’ve checked pretty much everything.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Okay, cool.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
That’s for a wedding.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
And then I will come back Friday for another pick-up…..
((Flower Wholesaler))
Okay.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
…..for an event on Saturday.
((Flower Wholesaler))
Oh, cool. Okay.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Okay, cool.
((Flower Wholesaler))
Perfect. Okay. See you right back.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Yep.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
This is flower food. It just gives them some nutrients, keeps
them living a little bit longer. I don’t need a lot of
space. Sometimes feel as though my home studio, I have
already grown out of, but obviously I'm very happy I didn't
have a storefront given COVID.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
So, to build the flower cooler, I watched a YouTube
video and simply followed their instructions on how to build
it. I saved about anywhere from $5,000 by building this on
my own. So, the flowers will stay in here for at least 24
hours. It gives them enough time to hydrate, to cool down
and then, I start to use them in all of my flower bouquets.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Going into COVID, I was very nervous about doing
contactless deliveries. I thought this seems so trivial,
you know. Flowers are such a minor thing in this of what's
going on with this pandemic. How could anybody be
interested? And I had a friend say, “Look, flowers bring a lot
of joy to people’s lives.” And I really took that to heart
and when I started advertising that I was doing contactless
deliveries, people were really excited about it. I consistently
have people text message me, “These flowers bring so
much joy. I look forward to the flowers every week or every
other week. They're always beautiful.” So, for people who
are still hesitant to leave their house, this is a way to bring
nature into their house. It's a little bit of beauty and
enjoyment. But also, because people can't see friends and
family right now, a lot of people are sending flowers for
birthdays, anniversaries, weddings that have been canceled
and this would’ve been their wedding day. So, I also
think it's a great way for people to feel more connected to
others and bring a little joy to them as well.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
I do deliveries sometimes every day of the week, sometimes
two times a week. It depends on when people
are requesting the delivery days.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Don’t worry about it. You can always manipulate them in the
vase. Roses have heavy heads.
No, these look great. I love it.
And then also, I have virtual design classes.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
So then, you can see it just gives it more like a finished look
with the salal.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Running a business is very challenging. It has a lot of ups
and downs and you're thinking, “How am I going to keep
on doing this?”
((NATS))
((Ali’s son))
What now?
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Okay, let’s count them.
((Ali’s son))
One, two, three, four, five.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Wow!
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
It’s also really challenging when you have a family. I have a
two-and-a-half-year-old. I'm now expecting. You know,
I have a husband. So, that is also a balance
because flowers don't stop being sold on the
weekends. That's when most of my events are.
((NATS))
((Customer))
So, I follow you on Instagram.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Oh, that’s great!
((Customer))
And I saw it yesterday that you would be here today.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Yeah.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Some people ask me, “Are you going to make this into a
massive business?” And I said, “Absolutely not.” That’s not
what I‘ve ever wanted to do with the business.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
I want it to be a small business. I want this to be something
for me that I enjoy doing. And I think what people enjoy
about this business is that it's small and it's local and
everybody who receives flowers gets them designed by me,
by the owner. And I think people like that personal
connection with their florist.
((NATS))
CLOSING ((ANIM))
voanews.com/connect
BREAK THREE
((ANIMATION EXPLAINER -- W/ GFX, CAPTIONS,
PHOTOS))
US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2020:
CAN ANYBODY BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES?
BUMP IN ((ANIM))
((ANIMATION EXPLAINER -- W/ GFX, CAPTIONS,
PHOTOS))
US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2020:
YOUTH VOTERS
SHOW ENDS
EPISODE # 143
AIR DATE 10 09 2020
TRANSCRIPT
OPEN ((VO/NAT))
((Banner))
Peace in the Water
((SOT))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
For me this morning, I definitely want to leave stress on land.
And in the water, I'm just looking to find playfulness
today. Just have fun and let everything go.
((Animation Transition))
((Banner))
Forging from Scratch
((SOT))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
As far as I can tell and find, I am the only woman building
copper cookware from scratch.
((Animation Transition))
((Banner))
Spreading Joy
((SOT))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
For people who are still hesitant to leave their house, this is
a way to bring nature into their house. It's a little bit of
beauty and enjoyment.
((Open Animation))
BLOCK A
((PKG)) BLACK GIRLS SURF
((Banner: Black Girls Surf))
((Reporter/Camera: Arturo Martínez))
((Courtesy/Extra footage: Dave Malana, Tandem Boogie,
Black Girls Surf))
((Map: Los Angeles, California))
((Main characters: 2 females))
((Sub characters: 5 females; 2 males))
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
When I was growing up, I heard so much, “Well, Black
people don't swim”. And I heard that from my father. When
he first took me to the beach, he said, “Don't go out past the
whitewash. If something happens to you, I'm not coming to
get you.” And for me that meant, “OK, well, I got to learn
how to swim. I got to learn how to take care of myself out
here because he's not coming to help me.”
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
My name is Lizelle Jackson. Pre-COVID, I was an active
travel guide. Post-COVID now, I'm a surf instructor.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
Paddle. Paddle. Jump. That’s better.
Black Girls Surf, you know, their intention is to get more
Black women to be professional surfers. And so, right now,
we're just working here in the L.A. chapter trying to get as
many women of color in the water as possible. And then,
eventually, hopefully there'll be some women from that stage
that would like to progress on to the professional stage.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
I mean, you take something like Bruce's Beach. In the early
1900s, there was a Black beach resort there and
eventually they were kicked out. They were forced to move
further inland and so, Black people lost one of the few
beaches that they could go to. So, I mean, you look at
something like that. If there is only one slice of beach that
Black people could utilize at that point, then it's no wonder
we don't have more Black surfers. A lot of times, surfing is
something, is passed down from generation to
generation. You see surfer dads out there with their little
daughters, pushing them into the waves. Well, our dads
didn't have that opportunity.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
So, on a board like this, you are going to do something
called the turtle roll.
((Samantha Johnson, Chef, Surf Learner))
Oh, I've seen that. I’ve YouTube-ed it. I YouTube things
and yeah, I've never done that.
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
So this one, you can't duck dive.
One of the reasons I keep coming out here is because I wish
there had been somebody when I was first learning, that was
there for me to look up to and someone that looked like
me. And, I think, when you don't see yourself represented
in, whether it's those media images or whether it's just
looking out in the water, it can be difficult. And so, if we can
create this space where women of color, Black women, feel
safe to come into and feel safe learning and that they
already feel like, “OK, I can handle myself here.” And that’s
what we're really looking to do, right, is just to empower
women to feel that they belong in this ocean, no matter
which beach they go to.
((NATS))
((Surfer))
Everyone circle up.
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
I want to thank everyone today for coming out. It's wonderful
to see you all and all your beautiful faces. If you don't have
a flower, please stop by and grab a yellow rose. I will have
Rhonda speak today from Senegal and she's speaking at all
the other paddle outs worldwide.
((NATS))
((Rhonda Harper, Founder, Black Girls Surf))
Good morning. This is Rhonda Harper from Black Girls
Surf. These paddle outs are peaceful protests for lives lost
to police brutality and racism in America. Black lives matter.
((NATS))
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
Today, we're honoring the lives of those lost: Breonna
Taylor, George Floyd, Vanessa Guillen and hundreds of
more lives. The belief is that it’s our individual, collective
responsibility to participate rather than ignore, to prevent
rather than react, to preserve rather than degrade, because
this is our time to do so. When you paddle out into the water
today and you release those roses in honor of those who
have fallen, think of something you want to bring back with
you into this new society we are creating, something that's
healing, something that you wish to see more of in the world
that you feel that is not there.
((NATS))
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
It's beautiful, isn't it?
My name is Sayuri and I am the Los Angeles SoCal Chapter
Coordinator for Black Girls Surf. This is happening
worldwide today in several other counties as well as around
the world. And the support was real, like, we started out with
eight people and then it went to, like, 20. We brought 60
roses. All the roses are gone.
((NATS))
((Event participant))
Thank you so much.
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
Thank you guys for coming out. Did you guys get in the
water? Did you go in the water?
((Event participant))
Yes, they did.
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
Awesome.
Surfing? Are you interested in surfing?
((Event participant))
I would love, like, I've always wanted to learn to surf but I
never knew anyone and never had, like, friends to go to take
a class.
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
All right, cool. Then you should come out to one of our
board meetings because all we do is get together and surf.
((Event participant))
That is awesome.
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
So, we have events like this. We have surf therapy
days. We have board meetings. And we are also starting
our surf camps up this summer. And that's where we get
girls that are ages 11 to 17 in the water and on the board
and we start training them to surf professionally.
((NATS))
((Darryl Knox, L.A. Resident))
I wish I could've got that one. That's OK though. I love
seeing her in the water. It’s not just about African American
versus any other race. It's just seeing your children have fun
and doing things that they like to do is always a
pleasure. As rare as it is to see somebody like Tiger Woods
in golf, it's probably just as rare to see African Americans out
on the water and I don't think we live in a lot of the beach
communities, especially in the US.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
Inhale that action.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
Big exhale.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
Sayuri and I would just like to start by officially welcoming
you to the Black Girls Surf, the BGS Surf Therapy
Program. Today, we just kind of want to address those, you
know, what are those things that you're looking to leave on
land and what is it that you want to find in the water? For me
this morning, I definitely want to leave stress on land. And in
the water, I'm just looking to find playfulness today. Just
have fun and let everything go.
((Sayuri Blondt, L.A. SoCal Chapter Coordinator, Black
Girls Surf))
So, I want to leave frustration on land and then what I want
to find in the water is always peace.
((Event participant))
I want to leave my anxieties on land and I want to find, have
some stoked moments.
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
There we go. Stoked.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
A lot of experiences that you have in the water parallel life
itself. I mean, just getting out into the water is this constant
battle, right? But then you have these moments of calm and
peace. Like, I can see some of the choices that I make,
whether it's, “Am I going to paddle into this wave?” or, “Am I
just going to keep paddling all the waves?” That kind of
parallel, the way I behave in the real world. But also, I think
water, just in general, is extremely therapeutic. Just, it's
incredibly calming. I think it's, our bodies are what, about 70
percent water. So, it's almost like you're going home,
right? Like, going back into the womb and just feeling
comfortable and at peace.
((NATS))
((Lizelle Jackson, Surf Instructor, Black Girls Surf))
My hope is that we'll just start to see a much more diverse
lineup. And so, my hope is that one day, when we go out in
the water, when I see another surfer of color, it's not, like,
this kind of surprise. And I just want to get to the point
where that's normal, where we go out into the water and we
see all different shades, creeds, colors, whatever it is, and
that nobody bats an eye.
((NATS))
TEASE ((VO/NAT))
Coming up…..
((Banner))
Sticking with Tradition
((SOT))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
I will build traditional reproduction cookware that is built
exactly the way it has been done since the 1700s.
BREAK ONE
((ANIMATION EXPLAINER -- W/ GFX, CAPTIONS,
PHOTOS))
US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2020:
NOMINATION CONVENTION
BUMP IN ((ANIM))
BLOCK B
((PKG)) FEMALE COPPERSMITH
((Banner: Female Coppersmith))
((Reporter: Faiza Elmasry))
((Camera: Sara Dahman))
((Video Editor: Lisa Vohra))
((Map: Grafton, Wisconsin))
((Main characters: 1 female))
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Courtesy: Sara Dahmen))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
As far as I can tell and find, I am the only woman building
copper cookware from scratch, both the vintage ways and
more modern rendition of copper cookware.
((NATS))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
I had never taken a shop class. I didn't know how to operate
power tools. I didn't know any of the terminology.
((NATS))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
As a historical fiction writer, it's important to get your facts
right and to really dive into the past in order to bring it to the
future.
((Courtesy: Sara Dahmen))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
So, when I started to write Widow
1881 and eventually Tinsmith 1865, I was writing
about Pioneer women and discovered so much of what they
did. And where they spent their time was in the kitchen.
((Courtesy: Sara Dahmen))
((NATS))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
So, over time, I started to do more and more research
about Pioneer kitchens, American cookware and how was it
made and what was used? Eventually that became me
saying to my husband, ‘I want to start a cookware line. I
want it to be American made.’
((Courtesy: Sara Dahmen))
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
Flash forward a few more months and I decided to do even
more research and ended up discovering Bob Bartelme, who
is a traditional tinsmith, who lived a few minutes from my
home. He was generous enough to take me under his wing
and I ended up going there, multiple times a week, and I still
do even though it's been over four years now. I’m learning
from him.
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
In my new book, Copper, Iron and Clay, A Smith's Journey, I
talk about the process of starting a cookware line. I had to
ask a lot of questions and screw up and redo things over and
over and over again. I will build traditional reproduction
cookware that is built exactly the way it has been done since
the 1700s. I will also create more modern heavy-duty
pieces. I'll do custom designs based on people's specs that
they give me.
((NATS))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
All these machines are originally from the early 1800s,
starting about 1810 to 1820s. So, they still work. I still
use them and I’m still able to use them to build custom
pieces from scratch and everything still works the same as it
did 200 years ago.
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
There’s a lot of pieces that go into the elongation and the
heat treatment and that's all poured and done and ground
out on the West Coast and then shipped back here to
Wisconsin.
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
After that then, they're in my hands and they're raw. I have
to prepare them. Once I get a piece of copper cookware
over the tinning fire, then we can apply that very necessary
interior lining of tin which will make the cookware food-
safe. And when you're done with that, you still have a
beautiful piece of cookware, but there's usually a little bit of
clean up on the edge. There's definitely some polishing that
needs to happen to this piece, both on the buffing wheel and
hand polish. And once that is done, then, then this can go
home and be used for the next several hundred years.
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
The reason many chefs especially are gravitating towards it
still after all this time, is because of the precision you get
when you're cooking with it. Tin-lined copper cookware is 25
times more conductive than stainless steel. So, for a fraction
of the heat, you're getting the same if not better results. So,
it is not only energy efficient, but it allows for extreme
precision when you're cooking.
((NATS))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
It all comes down to using the right tools for the meal that
you're preparing in order to offer nourishment that is
correctly and beautifully and well prepared.
((NATS))
((Sara Dahmen, Founder, House of Copper and
Cookware))
So there's investments, there's fearlessness and there's
asking a lot of questions. And eventually over time, over
mistakes, over trial-and-error, you can eventually start calling
yourself a coppersmith.
((NATS))
TEASE ((VO/NAT))
Coming up…..
((Banner))
Spreading Joy
((SOT))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
This is flower food. It just gives them some nutrients, keeps
them living a little bit longer.
BREAK TWO
((ANIMATION EXPLAINER -- W/ GFX, CAPTIONS,
PHOTOS))
US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2020
BUMP IN ((ANIM))
BLOCK C
((PKG)) BLUE RIBBON FLORAL
((Banner: A Blooming Business))
((Reporter/Camera: June Soh))
((Map: Washington, DC; Fairfax, Virginia))
((Main characters: 1 female))
((NATS/MUSIC))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Here you go. And just sign here. We are all set. Awesome,
enjoy!
((Customer))
Thank you.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
There you go.
((Customer))
Okay.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Hi, good morning.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Today is one of the busiest days I’ve had because it rained
yesterday and also the owners of this shopping
center promoted as well on social media and I actually had
some return customers too who saw it on my Instagram
post.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Hi.
((Customer))
How long have you been in business?
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
So, I started in November. I officially launched in
January. And then when the pandemic hit, I did a lot of
contactless deliveries which I’m still doing now, but now that
we can all be outside….
((Customer))
Yeah.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
And I feel safe outside.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
I am Ali Chrisler. I'm the creator and founder of Blue
Ribbon Floral which is a mobile flower truck in Washington,
DC. I do a number of fun activities. One is doing pop-ups at
different locations in Washington, DC and Maryland and
Virginia. I do all the preparation in my home studio and
then bring it outdoors for a truck pop-up.
((Courtesy: Blue Ribbon Floral))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
I grew up on a dairy farm and my mother owned a flower
shop in my hometown in Wisconsin and before that, my
grandmother owned a flower shop in my hometown as
well. So, I've always been around flowers in that capacity.
((Courtesy: Blue Ribbon Floral))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
And I am a trained researcher. I have a PhD in Human
Development and Family Studies and I've been doing
research and evaluation for about 10 years. I had a
miscarriage about a year ago and it threw me for a loop and
decided that I needed to really take stock of what was
important to me. And I decided to start this business
because starting a business has always been something I
wanted to do.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
I am off to purchase flowers for this week. I often go once or
twice a week, sometimes more, depending on if I have more
orders that come in the week. The question I'm asked
the most is, “Can you drive legally if you have a car where
you're sitting on the right side?” And yes, you can. When I
registered it with DC, it was never a question whether or not
it was legal. It's a legal vehicle.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
So, my truck is a Japanese imported. I bought it online,
sight unseen, from Miami and had it actually delivered to my
house. Then had it painted this bright blue and had an
awning fit for it. It is very small. It's a three-cylinder engine
meaning it's a size of a motorcycle but it's been a great fit for
me.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Often when I am choosing flowers, I am picking a variety of
colors, textures and also really focusing on long-lasting
flowers.
((NATS))
((Flower Wholesaler))
We’ve checked pretty much everything.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Okay, cool.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
That’s for a wedding.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
And then I will come back Friday for another pick-up…..
((Flower Wholesaler))
Okay.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
…..for an event on Saturday.
((Flower Wholesaler))
Oh, cool. Okay.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Okay, cool.
((Flower Wholesaler))
Perfect. Okay. See you right back.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Yep.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
This is flower food. It just gives them some nutrients, keeps
them living a little bit longer. I don’t need a lot of
space. Sometimes feel as though my home studio, I have
already grown out of, but obviously I'm very happy I didn't
have a storefront given COVID.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
So, to build the flower cooler, I watched a YouTube
video and simply followed their instructions on how to build
it. I saved about anywhere from $5,000 by building this on
my own. So, the flowers will stay in here for at least 24
hours. It gives them enough time to hydrate, to cool down
and then, I start to use them in all of my flower bouquets.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Going into COVID, I was very nervous about doing
contactless deliveries. I thought this seems so trivial,
you know. Flowers are such a minor thing in this of what's
going on with this pandemic. How could anybody be
interested? And I had a friend say, “Look, flowers bring a lot
of joy to people’s lives.” And I really took that to heart
and when I started advertising that I was doing contactless
deliveries, people were really excited about it. I consistently
have people text message me, “These flowers bring so
much joy. I look forward to the flowers every week or every
other week. They're always beautiful.” So, for people who
are still hesitant to leave their house, this is a way to bring
nature into their house. It's a little bit of beauty and
enjoyment. But also, because people can't see friends and
family right now, a lot of people are sending flowers for
birthdays, anniversaries, weddings that have been canceled
and this would’ve been their wedding day. So, I also
think it's a great way for people to feel more connected to
others and bring a little joy to them as well.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
I do deliveries sometimes every day of the week, sometimes
two times a week. It depends on when people
are requesting the delivery days.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Don’t worry about it. You can always manipulate them in the
vase. Roses have heavy heads.
No, these look great. I love it.
And then also, I have virtual design classes.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
So then, you can see it just gives it more like a finished look
with the salal.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Running a business is very challenging. It has a lot of ups
and downs and you're thinking, “How am I going to keep
on doing this?”
((NATS))
((Ali’s son))
What now?
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Okay, let’s count them.
((Ali’s son))
One, two, three, four, five.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Wow!
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
It’s also really challenging when you have a family. I have a
two-and-a-half-year-old. I'm now expecting. You know,
I have a husband. So, that is also a balance
because flowers don't stop being sold on the
weekends. That's when most of my events are.
((NATS))
((Customer))
So, I follow you on Instagram.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Oh, that’s great!
((Customer))
And I saw it yesterday that you would be here today.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Yeah.
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
Some people ask me, “Are you going to make this into a
massive business?” And I said, “Absolutely not.” That’s not
what I‘ve ever wanted to do with the business.
((NATS))
((Ali Chrisler, Owner, Blue Ribbon Floral))
I want it to be a small business. I want this to be something
for me that I enjoy doing. And I think what people enjoy
about this business is that it's small and it's local and
everybody who receives flowers gets them designed by me,
by the owner. And I think people like that personal
connection with their florist.
((NATS))
CLOSING ((ANIM))
voanews.com/connect
BREAK THREE
((ANIMATION EXPLAINER -- W/ GFX, CAPTIONS,
PHOTOS))
US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2020:
CAN ANYBODY BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES?
BUMP IN ((ANIM))
((ANIMATION EXPLAINER -- W/ GFX, CAPTIONS,
PHOTOS))
US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2020:
YOUTH VOTERS
SHOW ENDS
