Surfer: @lemonlavendula // Photo by Ben Soto @benjamin.e.soto

Interview with Joi K. Madison

How was your experience being apart of the paddle out in Orange County?

Being at the paddle out for solidarity at Blackies was electrifying. I can still feel the energy coursing through me and definitely feel a renewed sense of hope. The work must continue!! We have to keep this energy going until we see lasting, institutional changes towards justice and equity.

You do incredible speaking and coaching work, when holding the space for others so much, how do you hold space for yourself and others right now?

I have and always will prioritize my peace by getting adequate rest, eating and hydrating well and staying active. Physical health informs everything else. I also have a playlist full of songs that instantly make me feel good when I hear them. I spend a lot of time in nature, getting sunshine and putting my hands and feet in the dirt. I do all these things regularly and consistently so that when we hit tough times, I have a surplus of energy and resources to show up for others without depleting myself.

Do you have any recommendations for mental health for sea-sisters and organizers?

BOUNDARIES!! be mindful of how much negative news you consume, pay attention to the energy of people of around you, say “no” when you need to.

How was facilitating the event and how do go about preparing for and facilitating a paddle out like this?

Vanessa and Dino organized everything from planning to corralled everyone. I showed up to speak.

Sharing my thoughts and feelings honestly and authentically felt empowering and liberating. To not have to hide for fear of how my truth would make others feel and instead give myself permission to speak from the heart was necessary for me and for the movement. To be seen, supported and celebrated was the boost I needed to feel like I could continue on this path and keep doing this work.

@vanessayeager and @lemonlavendula join hands // Photos by @janstonefilms

Words from Vanessa Grace Yeager who helped to organize the paddle out at Blackies in Newport Beach, California:

We were very fortunate to have Joi Madison come to speak and facilitate. She was amazing. Her words were so full of passion and she is truly a inspirational woman. She moved the crowd to tears and spoke truth. Change is happening now and this movement is full of passion and I truly feel that the majority of people want to be united. Love will overcome and we will drive out the darkness with our lights! Uncomfortable conversations must be had and we have to hold our friends and loved ones accountable and make sure that we are all doing our part to stand up for what’s right!

Paddle outs for Black Lives (Blackies, Part 3)