How We Got Over to Release with First Signing at Borders-Beverly

Local writers and missionaries unite and write to support African AIDS Orphans

CHICAGO, IL-- How We Got Over: Testimonies of Faith, Hope, and Courage will make its debut at Borders Books & Music, 2210 W. 95th Street, Chicago (773) 445-5471, on Tuesday June 3, 2003 at 7:00 P.M. This collection of over 50 testimonies was edited by Chicago area residents Dr. Trevy A. McDonald and Dr. Bettye J. Allen, and will support AIDS orphans in Southern Africa. Chicago area contributors will also sign on Saturday June 7 at Calvary Bookstore, 16125 S. Park, South Holland, IL (708) 333-1115.

How We Got Over is a dynamic and spirit-filled collection of stories of survival and how one can overcome adversity through steadfast determination. The foreword, written by Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Episcopal Supervisor of the Fourth Episcopal District (A.M.E. Church) and Chicago area resident, chronicles Dr. Cousin's journey as an AIDS activist since 1985. Cousin is the wife of Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr. The afterword is by Sarah Nkele Matlhare, a South African Missionary who works in the trenches with those affected by and infected with HIV in Botswana. Contributors shared stories of overcoming life threatening situations such as hemorrhaging to the point where the only blood left in the body was in the brain and how broken family relationships were mended in the midst of a tragedy. Readers will be inspired, uplifted and empowered through these testimonies.

How We Got Over, which will be in stores nationwide in June, has already received critical acclaim from noted authors.

"How We Got Over...is an inspirational masterpiece. The book is full of testimonies that will stir the soul and lift the spirit. It's a wonderful book for anyone who believes in a higher power and the power of faith. Bravo!"

Yolanda Joe, author of The Hatwearer's Lesson and Hit Time
                        
"...a highly moving, perceptive, and transforming source of inspiration for many hearts on the edge of unbelief, hopelessness, and discouragement."

Dr. Wendell C. Beane, Professor Emeritus, History of Religions and author of The Truth Within You

"How We Got Over...reminds us that hope arises in the heart through credible testimony and encourages us to cease pinning our desires on things that are in the world, focusing instead on placing our trust in God. This is a must read."

Jacquelin Thomas, author of Singsation, The Prodigal Husband, and A Change is Gonna Come

McDonald, Allen, Cousin and over a dozen Chicago area contributors will discuss, read from and sign copies of How We Got Over.

McDonald, a native Chicagoan, is the author of Time Will Tell, co-editor of Nature of a Sistuh and Building Diverse Communities and contributor to Sisterfriend Soul Journeys, Women of Color Devotional Bible, Women of Color Devotional Book, and the forthcoming anthology, Proverbs for the People (June 2003, Kensington).

Allen has been the editor of the Missionary Magazine for over 20 years.
                  
To read excerpts from How We Got Over visit the website: www.howwegotover.org.

To schedule interview opportunities or request review copies please call (773) 238-8224.

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