The statistics of child sexual abuse is appalling. 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys have been abused, and 35% of the abused become abusers themselves. That 35% is the focus of Lenore Thomas’ Weep Not.
Thomas’ short film opens with Journey Gordean (Cheray O’Neal) reciting a poem about being ten years old. “When I was ten, I was determined and alive.” We see a flashback of young Journey playing outside and being approached by an older boy offering her a red lollipop.
In the present, Journey is with her mother Rubie (Beverly Todd) in a seniors nursing home as Rubie recounts the unforgettable racial abuse she suffered decades before and also how she overcame her abuse. “Let it go, or it will eat you dead.”
“…a flashback of young Journey playing outside and being approached by an older boy offering her a red lollipop.”
One year later, Journey is interviewing Devon Williams (Rico E. Anderson), the author of the book, “Beyond Surviving.” Devon was abused by his priest. His story, though, is not entirely out in the open, referring to the 35% from the beginning.
Weep Not is a compelling story of victims of sexual abuse with an emphasis on hope and survival. It also touches on the abuser himself and a moment he/she is confronted. I found writers Lenore Thomas and Charay O’Neal story compelling and different from similar short film on this subject. Not necessarily for what happened to Journey, but what ultimately became of Journey—a woman who found the strength to survive and find freedom for herself.
On a personal note, I’ve known people who’ve walked a similar path as Journey. As harsh as her journey was…there is light at the end of the road. There really is.
"…a compelling story of victims of sexual abuse with an emphasis on hope and survival"
