IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING

Launch of a touching memoir about an astonishing life.

Produced by Clearwater Publishing, Nomusa Xaba: It's Been a Long Time Coming... is the story of one woman's artistic and political journey from the tiny village of Robbins, Illinois, to East Africa - and her passage through the Westside of Chicago, the Civil Rights movement, and the Anti-Apartheid struggle on her way.

This tenderly-written, hugely-personal reflection on the incredible life and personal journey of Nomusa Xaba - an African American artist, storyteller and activist – will be launched at the Durban Art Gallery on August 6.

The launch is part of the evening programme which celebrates Women’s Day in the gallery. Izikhwepha Zethu (Our Strength) is the Durban Art Gallery's annual exhibition which started in 1998 and which was initiated and curated by Phumzile Dlamini to celebrate Women's Day.

Nomusa Xaba (known affectionately as Mama Nomusa) took literally decades to complete what was originally planned as a book of poetry. She has written a charming collection – part memoir, part journal – chronicling her life as a veteran of both the civil rights movement in American and the international anti-Apartheid struggle. Her memories are interspersed with poetry, photographs and song lyrics. Its unique style makes it an easy read, a flight book or a holiday read.

Each carefully-chosen chapter could stand alone as a short story as the reader follows the author in her journey through the many phases of her life. From her childhood in Illinois through political, social, spiritual consciousness, finally to living and teaching in the ANC school (SOMAFCO) in East Africa. It's a testimony to the growth we all need to continuously undergo to make our lives whole. Nomusa Xaba has also just made an audio recording of her book for travellers and the hearing impaired.

This exhibition will be accompanied by a number of children and adult workshops that will be conducted during and after the exhibition (from August to November 2010).

The launch of Nomusa Xaba: It's Been a Long Time Coming... will take place on August 6 at 17h00 at the Durban Art Gallery 2nd floor City Hall, Anton Lembede (formerly Smith) Street, Durban. More information from Nomusa Xaba 083 974 3788 or visit www.mamanomusa.com