mizChartreuse || redefiningSuccess

A passion for writing and a rich sense of independence runs in my family, but man…my ma is showing me up! My awesome mother, Zindie, is the published author of a new book which is about to go to the presses called Ta Lakata: The Tears of Africa. This memoir is not only the amazing story of her life growing up as a Zambian princess, but also it offers practical solutions to aid the impoverished conditions of the African people.

So often, we, the privileged, take for granted our blessings living in this country. Even some of the poorest people in America still have infinitely more than millions of Africans. We see people suffering in third-world countries and think, “Well, what could I possibly do to help such a huge, dire situation?”

In reality, it doesn’t take much. For example, life-saving medications that prevent AIDS from being spread from a mother to an unborn child cost less than ONE U.S. DOLLAR. Donated shoes, clothing, and non-perishable goods make a huge difference for children who have nothing. The list goes on. Zindie is the founder of a non-profit organization called Light on the Hill for Africa, and through it has done so much in sending relief aid to destitute villages in her home country…MY home country.

The publisher is asking Zindie to compile a list of 200 readers who would like to order the book so they have a database of people in the Chicagoland area (and beyond!) who would like to receive free tickets and VIP access to speaking events, conferences, and media appearances like The Oprah Winfrey Show!

I am asking the readers of this website to contact me in support of not only the great artist my mother is, but in support of the greater cause of helping humanity. Please read the book’s synopsis below, and if you are so inclined, email me at char(at)mizchartreuse(dot)com with your name, phone number and email address to be added to the list of the first 200 readers for Ta Lakata: The Tears of Africa. It’s that simple.

It’s a fantastic read, and a story that needs to be told.

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Ta Lakata: The Tears of Africa — A Synopsis

The HIV/AIDS virus emerged more than two decades ago, and the horrific epidemic continues to inconceivably devastate families, communities and countries. With the right care, however, AIDS no longer means imminent death—it can be managed with medication and proper nutrition—but the disease remains the humanitarian crisis of our time. The indifference toward this continent in such peril is astounding. The disease continues to ravage the sub-Saharan region of Africa, while the abundant western world remains largely complacent.

Rising from the turmoil, one story resounds—that of Princess Zindaba Nyirenda, a woman of traditional Zambian royal heritage. In her first book, Ta Lakata: The Tears of Africa, she tells the fascinating story of her life: growing up in the Zambian paradise of the elite class of the newly independent and booming Zambian economy, emigrating to the United States and starting a family, and witnessing from afar the turn of events that shook up her beloved African homeland. Over the last 20 years, the face of suffering has become her own.

The face of turmoil becomes hers as she witnesses a once booming mining Copperbelt Province turn bankrupt—decayed, defunct and neglected.

The face of disease becomes hers when her cousins die in dingy shanty compound rooms amid the stench of vomit and diarrhea.

The face of poverty becomes hers as she sees hundreds of orphans with oozing sores, runny noses and bloodshot, jaundiced eyes, running around in dusty red fields looking for berries and hunting for mice to eat.

The face of suffering becomes hers when her beloved mother dies of bone cancer—her vertebrae dissolved and bone marrow disintegrated, lacking morphine for pain relief, craving fresh fruit to quench her thirst.

The face of HIV becomes hers when her father slowly dies in a third-world country village clinic without simple medications or protection from the mosquitoes feasting on his gaunt, bony structure.

The face of AIDS becomes hers when her quiet and gentle sister Alice dies…in the midst of Zindie writing this story.

Princess Zindaba resolved to take a stance, to live her life with the sole purpose of working to change the stories of so many suffering people in this world; speaking out for those who have noc voice. She shares her story, finding a common bond to which all people can relate.

When a country disintegrates and the devastating effects of AIDS and poverty hit her family hard, not only is her single story heartbreaking, but the world implications are astounding. What part has the rest of the world played in Africa’s condition from the colonial era to the present? It is imperative to Rethink, Revisit and Remap the course of this continent torn apart.

Zindie challenges the western world and people of faith across the globe to look into their hearts and respond to this crisis with love, compassion and a commitment to save lives. This book not only educates readers about the beautiful African culture which is being racked by needless poverty and disease, but also challenges them to look deeply into the meaning of their own beliefs and of the common humanity which we all share. There is a possibility to make a difference if we are willing. Are we?

Ta Lakata: The Tears of Africa takes the reader on an incredible journey. It tells the story of an abundant African childhood; a hopeful American adulthood; the harsh realities of pandemic disease. Ta Lakata offers solutions for the future, with realistic ways that even the average person can make a huge difference in the lives of millions.

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About the Author:

Zindie is the President and Founder of The Light on the Hill for Africa, a non-profit organization that equips and empowers local leaders in remote areas and neglected villages in Africa.  She was the 2007 keynote speaker for the World AIDS Day Conference in Illinois and currently attends Roosevelt University to obtain her masters degree.  She has published magazine and scholastic articles in Zambia and is currently writing a nonfiction novel about those living with AIDS.  She lives in Illinois and has three children, Charlotte, Chloe, and Dumisani.  Ta Lakata—The Tears of Africa is her first book.

For media inquiries, appearances, or other publicity — please contact:

Ellen Green — PressManager@aegpublishinggroup.com