Every 9 seconds in the United States a woman is assaulted or beaten. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For this video, I interviewed Simona Badger, a licensed clinical social worker, domestic violence counselor, and owner of S Badger Empowerment and Consulting Services LLC in Newark, N J. During our interview, Simona answers important questions such as, what is domestic violence? What are the different forms of abuse? How has the pandemic impacted domestic violence, and can abusers change? She also provides early dating red flags that a partner may potentially be abusive. To learn more about Simona and her practice, visit sbempowerment.org If you or anyone you know is in an abusive relationship, visit thehotline.org or call 1800-799-SAFE (7233) If you like this video, please like/subscribe!

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted people's mental health, with the most common conditions being anxiety and depression. Although many people were experiencing these illnesses before COVID-19, the pandemic has seemed to amplify one's symptoms. In this interview, I sat with Kaity Rodriguez, a psychotherapist, confidence educator, and empowerment speaker. Kaity is the owner and founder of Serenity Wellness and Therapy Services, located in Montclair, New Jersey. In this video, Kaity discusses the common mental health symptoms people are experiencing during this time, and also provides resources people can implement in their daily lives to experience and maintain mental wellness. **All content was edited and produced by me, Claretta Bellamy. I am an independent producer/journalist. If you like this video and would like to donate financially, my cashapp is $rettabella and my venmo is @Claretta-Bellamy Any contribution would be greatly appreciated. *Music by purple-planet.com

During the past few days, people across America have been protesting to show their outrage in response to the recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. Their deaths, along with the deaths of many other blacks that have taken place over the years, are prime examples of the racial injustice that continues to affect the African American community. I sat down with Olatiwa Karade, creator of "The Unarmed Project" which aims to reveal through photography the humanity behind those who are often targeted and killed by police. In addition to being the creator of "The Unarmed Project", Olatiwa is the founder and owner of Splendid Rain Co, a company that sells pro-black clothing and apparel that displays powerful statements about race and injustice, with phrases such as "Columbus Was A Murderer" and "Worthy of Humanity". In this interview, Olatiwa discusses her project and how it contributes to the overall message and ideas of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Video Produced by Me. Music by Purple-Planet.com

Today, the world seems to have been turned upside down because of the current coronavirus pandemic. I sat down with Jaquelin Rivas , an emergency room RN at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson, N.J., to learn more about what is happening inside the emergency room, and the symptoms of the people who enter them. Video interview & produced by Claretta Bellamy Music by purple-planet.com #coronavirus #essentialworkers #stayathome

The coronavirus is a current worldwide pandemic, affecting people all over the world. The Surgeon General says that African Americans are more at risk of catching the virus, due to factors such as socioeconomic status and pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Last week, I sat down with Patricia Way, a 56-year-old law clerk in Elizabeth, N.J., who contracted the virus in April while assisting her elderly neighbors, who both tested positive for COVID-19. Music by: purple-planet.com Interview date: 5/5/2020