R.E.A.L. Talk Self with Sylvia Gina Hunt Episode 20 (Part 2)

B.E.A.T. Productions shot Episode 20 of R.E.A.L. Talk Self with Sylvia Gina Hunt in the Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) studios on May 11, 2018. A personal and poignant interview between host Sylvia Gina Hunt and her guest Julienne Jack was featured in this episode, which was the continuation of a two-part series. The discussion focused on Julienne's relationship with her mother, Elmyra Wilkinson Jack, and examined the impact of personal sacrifice, resiliency, and family history. Julienne shared the traits that set her mother apart and the influence those traits had on their lives with candor and evocative storytelling.

Julienne began the conversation by characterizing her mother as a tomboy—a woman who was not scared to defy the social mores of her era. Elmyra, who grew up in Montclair in the 1920s and 1930s, was well-known for her strength and independence. She studied archery, was unafraid of knives, and cleaned hunting rifles for her father and uncles. Julienne remembered how her mother had defended herself against bullies, even putting a garden snake inside a classmate's clothes to frighten him after he kept dipping her braids in ink. These stories brought Elmyra's bravery and audacious nature to life, demonstrating how she was taught early on to not be bullied by others.

Elmyra's life with her husband, who went on to become the borough president of Manhattan, was shaped by this foundation of tenacity. Julienne stressed that the real "strength behind the man" was her mother. Elmyra's resourcefulness and protective nature protected her family from the perils of political life during a time when there were no contemporary political security details. Julienne also talked about her own early training, gaining self-defense skills from her uncles, gaining her mother's keen intuition, and realizing early on the dangers of coming from a well-known family.

The sharp differences between Elmyra and her husband were further emphasized in the episode. Julienne's mother was the one who fixed things, operated the vehicle, and dealt with practical issues, while her father was engrossed in politics and frequently awkward and unpractical with daily affairs. Julienne remembered how her mother handled crises, installed shelves, and even rescued the family from her father's clumsy driving attempts. These tales emphasized Elmyra's function as a caregiver, guardian, and problem-solver—a pillar of support for the family in the face of personal and political upheaval.

Elmyra's life was also significantly influenced by music and culture. Julienne recalled her mother performing and recording with Nat King Cole, going to shows with friends, and having a good time at nightclubs in Atlantic Beach. In addition to reflecting a glitzy social life, these memories also showed a creative side that counterbalanced the gravity of family obligations and political conflicts.

Elmyra had to overcome painful obstacles in spite of her strength. Julienne talked about her mother's struggles, such as miscarriages and the intense loneliness she experienced following her husband's political downfall. Elmyra lost many of her friends when her father was ousted from office due to political conspiracies, as people withdrew out of fear. Nevertheless, she never wavered in her commitment to her family. At the age of seven, Julienne remembered making a vow to her mother that she would always be by her side. She kept this promise until Elmyra passed away in 2014 following a protracted fight with Alzheimer's disease.

As Julienne talked about taking care of her mother as she deteriorated, the interview became particularly moving. She thought about the terrible consequences of Alzheimer's, which deprived her mother of priceless memories, including their mutual fondness for chocolate pastries. Julienne's devotion remained unwavering, though, and she saw it as an honor to return her mother's unwavering love and care.

Finally, a moving homage to Julienne Jack's mother, Elmyra Wilkinson Jack, marked the end of Episode 20 of R.E.A.L. Talk Self. The Mother's Day weekend interview paid tribute to her legacy of love, strength, and inventiveness. Sylvia Gina Hunt emphasized that Elmyra’s story deserves preservation, inspiring remembrance, healing, and celebration of mothers everywhere.

Click to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QtKRROhuiY&t=1316s