Grandmothers Share Global Mission: Film & Discussion

VALDOSTA -- The Women’s and Gender Studies Program will screen a film that documents the journey of 13 indigenous grandmothers at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 25, in the Student Union Ballroom A. Global activists and peace walkers will host a panel discussion following the film, which chronicles a mission of world peace and traditional healing methods.

“For the Next 7 Generations” shares the story of wise women, elders, shamans and medicine women who came together in 2004 to form an environmentally conscious alliance -- The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. The film follows them through the Amazon rainforest, the mountains of Mexico, across North America, and finally to Dharamsala, India, for a private meeting with the Dalai Lama. Throughout their travels, the grandmothers’ speak of their visions of healing and pleas for change.

The film, which is free and open to the public, will be followed by a discussion of the following panelists:

Audri Scott Williams, describes herself as a mother, grandmother, peace walker, vision-keeper, human rights activist and author. She followed her vision on the Trail of Dreams Ancestral Journey, a walk from Pennsylvania to Georgia in 2000 and then through Ghana, West Africa, in 2002. She also walked in six continents between 2005 and 2009. In October, she began the 13-Moon Walk 4 Peace through 40 U.S. cities to “awaken the heart of America to the voiceless. The walk will end on November 11 in Atlanta.

Swami Jinendra Kothari, known as the “Messenger of Sustainable Happiness,” is a dedicated global educator. He is the founder/director of the Center for Sustainable Happiness and the Shakti-Yogashram Educational Trust. Author of several books and meditation CDs, he is also an adjunct Professor at Cardinal Stritch Univ., an Outreach Program director for MMSD -Teacher Training Program for K-12 Teachers, and a faculty at Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wis.

Melodie Russell has served as a human service professional for more than 20 years. She serves as a community activist and a motivational and public speaker for the last decade. She has traveled extensively and strives to be an instrument of positive change everywhere she has been led.

Karen Hunter Watson is a mother, grandmother, minister, prayer counselor, song writer vocalist, writer-author, graphic artist, peace and environmental activist.