Special note: This episode was recorded in December 2020, prior to the insurrection at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Heather Heyer lost her life on August 12, 2017, to a white supremacist hell bent on causing harm when he drove his car into a crowd of counter-protestors at the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, VA. Heather has a mom and her name is Susan Bro.
In Episode 024, I have the pleasure of being in conversation with my friend, Susan. Introduced by a “former”, meaning, a former white supremacist, Christian Picciolini, Susan and I share the sorrow of losing our children, to the same hate-filled ideology.
Unlike me, Susan immersed herself in learning about white supremacists, wanting to understand who they were and their actions that led to her daughters murder. Catapulted into the national spotlight following Heather’s funeral, Susan was asked to attend numerous events including The Ellen Show, the VMA Awards and rode on the Aids Healthcare Foundation float in the Rose Bowl Parade in January 2018, only five months after burying Heather. The notoriety stunted her grieving process and placed her on an unintended platform.
Our conversation highlights the healing work engulfing Susan, aptly titled the Heather Heyer Foundation. With help from a few friends and volunteers, Susan tirelessly works to keep her daughter’s spirit alive, now owning the name, “activist.” Offering scholarships to qualified applicants who intend to promote positive change using their professional skills, Susan dreams of a day when her foundation has the assets to endow a 4-year college scholarship.
Expectations of retirement included puttering around her home, crocheting gifts for nieces and nephews and cooking meals for her husband, Kim. With humor, Susan explains to us that all of these continue to exist daily, alongside a tough to tackle social calendar.
My episode offers a glimpse into her life as a grieving mother determined to create social awareness and change for the betterment of society. Using her voice to speak only the truth, Susan beckons each of us to use our talents and abilities to help others.
Prepare to be challenged with finding a higher purpose.
Notes & Resources
Christian Picciolini - a former White Power leader in the Chicago, Il area. Now an author of two books and producer of two documentaries showcasing how hate derails humanity from the track of life. Heather Heyer Foundation
SevenDays® Make a Ripple, Change the World
Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, Virginia
The Ellen Show Aids Healthcare Foundation
Individuals Mentioned:
Kim - is Susan's husband, Heather's stepfather Kathy - is Susan's best friend
Sharon Davis - longtime friend of Mindy’s family, lives in Charlottesville, VA
Chris - mentioned by Susan, is Chris Oneshuck
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Real Grief - Real Healing is copyright 2020, Mindy Corporon. All Rights Reserved. Our theme music is composed by Dave Kropf and used with permission.
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