S2E9: A Conversation About Public Safety with Award-Winning Filmmaker and Best-Selling Author, Matthew Solomon
Release Date: 06/19/2024
Brian J Matos
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Brian interviews Fritznel Octave, an award-winning journalist with over 25 years of experience covering Haitian news, culture, politics, economics and social justice. He serves as Haiti Editor for The Haitian Times online newspaper. An author, speaker and coach, Fritznel has committed his life to impactful storytelling and amplifying marginalized voices. His latest book, "Haiti Between Pestilence And Hope," offers readers a pathway to understand Haiti’s challenges and triumphs. With an inspiring vision, Fritznel encourages Haitians to draw strength from the ideals of the Haitian Revolution...
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Brian speaks with Svetlana Chigozie Onye, a climate justice advocate, writer, journalist, and researcher. In this conversation, Svetlana and Brian discuss the critical intersection of mental health and climate change, particularly in the context of African nations. She highlights the unique challenges faced by African countries, including the disproportionate impact of climate change despite low emissions, the role of transnational companies in resource extraction, and the need for better media coverage of these issues. Svetlana emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health into...
info_outlineMatthew Solomon, a filmmaker and conflict resolution expert, joins Brian for a conversation about his documentary, Reimagining Safety, and the growing demands for new approaches to ensure public safety. Matthew shares his personal experiences growing up in a diverse community and witnessing differences in how local police interacted with his friend groups. He explains how his background in sociology and anthropology, as well as the events of the Rodney King beating and the LA riots, shaped his passion for social justice and eventuall led to his decision to make the documentary.
In addition to previewing the content of the film, Brian and Matthew delve into the concept of public safety, including what the term means to different individuals, neighborhoods and towns.
Matthew highlights the importance of a holistic public safety definition, which includes access to resources, mental health support, and deep community engagement. He also emphasizes the need to address the systemic and societal challenges of reforming the criminal justice system in the United States as well as other, similar justice systems around the world. Matthew and Brian discuss the role of mental health care and social services in public safety and debates over how to increase funding and resources in these areas. He encourages individuals to get involved in their communities and build connections with others as a way to promote public safety.
To learn more about Matthew Solomon, his film and his work:
- Consulting website: https://www.matthewsolomonconsulting.com/
- Reimaging Safety Movie Site: https://www.reimaginingsafetymovie.com/
- Twitter: @mattytheglue and https://x.com/ReimagSafety
- Facebook: Reimagining Safety Movie
- Instagram: @mattytheglue and @reimaginingsafetymovie
Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/
Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos