Go Back and Get It: A Memoir with Dionne Ford

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In this episode, we explore the powerful memoir, Go Back and Get It, written by our guest, Dionne Ford. Sitting in on this session is my friend and the show’s mental health consultant, Lisa Williamson Rosenberg, licensed therapist and award-winning author of the debut novel, Embers on the Wind.

We discuss the poignant topic of childhood sexual violence, abandonment, homicide, and slavery. Dionne shares her personal journey and the complexities of reconciling one’s feelings towards an abuser, especially when they are a family member. In researching her3 family’s history, she discovered the enduring legacy of her great, great-grandmother as well as her great-grandmother.

Dionne’s bravery in sharing her story is truly inspiring, and we hope that her words provide solace and strength to our listeners who may have similar experiences.

During our discussion, we quote a thought-provoking passage from Dionne’s book, highlighting the profound sense of betrayal experienced when a family member causes harm. We delve into the complexities of healing and the different paths survivors navigate in finding forgiveness, self-worth, and understanding.

**As always, it is important to know your triggers. If any of these topics could cause more harm than good, please wait until the next session to show your support. Be kindest to yourself first always, and in all ways.**

Key Takeaways from the episode:

1 Healing Through Narrative: The discussion centered on Dionne Ford’s debut memoir, Go Back and Get It, which explores the legacy of sexual violence and the complexities of reconciling feelings towards an abuser, particularly when they are a family member. We dive deep into the importance of storytelling as a tool for healing and empowering survivors.

2 Intersection of Spirituality and Identity: In our conversation, we explore Dionne’s journey of navigating religion, finding solace in womanism, and the role of religion in personal and cultural identity. We discuss the challenges faced when growing up in the Black church and the importance of being true to oneself.

3 The Audacity of Black Women Writers: We touch on the audacity of Black women writers claiming their space and challenging the white-centered publishing industry. We address the need for Black women’s stories to be centered, the generational wealth disparity, and the impact of institutional racism.

Discussion questions:

1. How do cultural and familial dynamics affect survivors’ ability to reconcile with their abusers?

2. Have you ever explored different spiritual paths? How has that exploration impacted your own journey of self-discovery?

3. How do societal expectations and pressure influence…