Passing Pt 2: The Roles We Play with Chaz Ebert and Brenda Robinson

We return to explore the theme of passing – and the duality of preserving one's identity while being forced to navigate the world in certain ways. 

Joining us for this episode are producer and philanthropist Brenda Robinson and CEO and civil rights attorney Chaz Ebert. As Executive Producers on the film Passing (2021), Brenda and Chaz have so much to share on their respective roles, as well as the vital importance of the critically-acclaimed movie. 

Together, we examine systems of oppression and share personal stories of what we gotta do – and what we've had to do – to survive and thrive historically. We also examine Modern Day Passing and the many ways we might pass (intentionally or otherwise) outside of skin color.

 

What is modern-day passing and what are the roles we play to gain equity? How do you find ways to fit into the dominant culture? How do you stay true to self and show up empowered and authentic to everything that you are?

 

QUESTIONS

Power-producers Chaz Ebert and Brenda Robinson join hosts Jason and Yvonne Lee to talk access. In this mini-reunion, these four friends and film professionals share why they do what they do – and that is to lift and provide opportunity for voices of color working in film. By highlighting impactful projects like Regina Hall's award-winning debut film, Passing, to new projects like veteran Lisa Cortes' documentary Empire of Ebony which covers 70 years of culture from Ebony and Jet magazines, we learn from the inside what it's like to operate from what can often feel like the outside. We also learn that what matters in this industry is being empowered from within, showing up to the table as your authentic self… and knowing that the table you're at is THE table.  

 

What do you gain by not having to pass as anything?

 

In our very first episode with a delicious mocktail, we acknowledge the increasingly popular addition of inclusive mocktails as a beverage choice in social situations. Jason whips up a non-alcoholic French 75 and the conversation flows, as always. Knowing that modern-day passing takes on many, many forms, our guests also share personal stories of how passing has affected them and how it has shown up in their own families. Yvonne poingantly presents Chaz and Brenda with their confessional question, what more needs to be done  so that people of color can show up authentically and not have to pass for anything?

 

For more spirited discussions, make sure to subscribe to the podcast.

And if you've enjoyed thinking and mocktailing along with us, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

 

Cheers … and Please Drink Responsibly!

 

Links:

 

Guests:

Brenda K. Robinson

https://www.filmindependent.org/people/brenda-robinson/

 

Chaz Ebert

https://www.rogerebert.com/contributors/chaz-ebert

Book: 

Passing by Nella Larsen

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/passing-nella-larsen/1001883168<