Thandi writes of coming of age in apartheid South Africa, the reasons for her self-exile in the US, and her exhaustive work to liberate her people.  In Measured manner and without hesitation, she shares her Atlanta-based work with prominent US civil rights leaders, students, universities, local and state elected officials, and religious congregations whom she skillfully organized across a rich diversity of race, income, political affiliations, and faiths.  South Africa’s horrific apartheid enforcement, unlike the Jim Crow laws in the US, never leaves her memoir’s center stage.  Its abolition was the driving force for Thandi’s countless speaking engagements, boycotts and sanctions divestment campaigns culminating with the contentious, nine years Coca-Cola campaign.  Thandi demonstrates the profound influence on her activism of her parents, Nokukhanya Luthuli, and Noble Peace Prize recipient, Albert Luthuli.  The memoir is an important historical account of one humble person’s perseverance. It is an inspirational guide for nonviolent actions in opposition to injustice.

“Tandi will never know or understand the privilege she gave me, the privilege of watching her persist against such horrendous odds to end apartheid, to raise her family alone and in exile, and to finally return to South Africa to continue to give more – more as a mother and grandmother, more in nation building and as Ambassador, more in helping to solidify her father’s legacy.”

Gloria Gaines, Editor, The Albany Southwest Georgian, Albany, GA, USA

Thandi’s story told with her characteristic simplicity and humility, inspires us to recall those who confront the Goliath of racism on behalf of a multiracial world. This is a truthful narration by Mama Thandi.  She pulls no punches. The outright opposition and the double dealing of those who do not want to overthrow the apple cart come out. These were the true challenges she faced in her own strategic and quiet way as she forged ahead with the struggle to liberate South Africa.

Sibusiso Vil-Nkomo, Executive Dean, Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, Pretoria, South Africa

“Tandi was and continues to be an inspiration, especially to social justice activists still toiling in the vineyards.”

Jerry Herman, Former National Coordinator, Southern African Program, American Friends Service Committee, Philadelphia, PA., USA

CATEGORY  Memoir, History, Politics/AFRICA  World Rights

TRIM 7x10”

PAGE COUNT:  238

FULL COLOR