Racial reconciliation, healing, inclusion
‘‘I am a Coloured woman of South Africa. The blood flowing through me was despised by apartheid, for it was not pure and it was not White. Because of this, I struggled with feelings of self-doubt and shame.
‘‘Now, a quarter century after the fall of apartheid, I understand there is much beauty and value in my blood. I am the product of newcomer and native, slave master and slave, of White and Black, of German and Jew, and more. I am a reflection of countless conflicts and contradictions – yet my blood unites me.
‘‘I am a microcosm of nations riven by internal strife. I reconciled with myself by turning to the conflicts and contradictions within. This forced me to explore my past so as to truly understand who I am and to grapple with my lingering emotions. Our world today is divided and fractured. That is why I urge individuals, communities, and nations to undergo a similar process of self-reconciliation, to explore their stories, embrace their contradictions, and craft new narratives of acceptance, inclusion, and boundless possibilities. Through the stories I tell in this book – my story, and those of people from around the world – I hope to bring healing and inspiration to all.’’
‘‘My Blood Divides and Unites is an honest and inspirational exploration of personal healing, with universal relevance and insights that can accelerate peace and reconciliation in our world.’’
Julia Novy-Hildesley, Professor of the Practice and Executive Director, Stanford University’s Change Leadership for Sustainability Program, U.S.
‘‘A powerful account of a woman befriending her past, identity and self; this story will inspire you to keep dreaming of a society that embraces diversity in our quest to build a caring, reconciled community of nations.’’
Futhi Mtoba. Trustee, Nelson Mandela Foundation, Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative Fellow, South Africa
‘‘An amazing story that resonates particularly here in Europe, where we see an increase in racial tensions. Such stories can help people understand what is really at stake.’’
Florence Verzelen, Executive Vice President, Dassault Systèmes SE, France
