About the Book
The story of Belvie Rooks and Dedan Gills, their journey and their transformation, is "as old as eternity and new as now." Dedan and Belvie were already activists, mentors, and voices for justice, but in their union, they became an even greater force for compassion and love. Dedan (1945-2015) was a lifelong social justice and human rights activist who viewed himself as a "soulutionary." His favorite mantra--"Music is my medicine! Kindness is my song!"--was not only the hallmark of his work but the quality of his presence. Barbara Holmes writes, "His laughter, wisdom, and attentive presence set the example of how to soar while on this human journey."
Belvie and Dedan's journey took them to Accra, Ghana, where they were married; across the United States and Canada--including the Underground Railroad and Civil Rights Trail--planting trees and building community in cities like Toronto and Oakland as part of their organization Growing A Global Heart; and finally to Dedan's cancer diagnosis and passing at Zen Hospice in San Francisco in 2015. This book, born of that journey, speaks to love that is at once personal, collective, and cosmic. Each page holds an invitation to seek beauty amidst heartbreak, and to raise the level of humanity. Belvie's wisdom and listening for how this book wanted to be written, and the reflections of many who knew Dedan well, allow it to resonate with remembrance, but also with a future born of each of us.
About the Author :
Dedan Gills (1945-2015) was a poet and active member in one of the first urban intentional environmental communities in the country, the LA Eco-Village. Certified in Permaculture, he was a founding member of the LA Permaculture Guild. His poems have appeared in the International Sufi Association Journal. Born in Watts, California, Dedan was instrumental in the formation of the Black Student Alliance movement in Southern California in the 60s.
Belvie Rooks is an essayist, educator, and producer whose work weaves together the worlds of spirituality, feminism, ecology, and social justice. Her essays have appeared in a number of anthologies including The Same River Twice: Honoring the Difficult (edited by Alice Walker), sharing her reflections on the making of The Color Purple. She was the principal writer and director of Who's Gonna Be There?, a two-person stage performance starring Lethal Weapon's Danny Glover and Jaws star Roy Scheider--reflecting on their mentors and mentoring.
Danny Glover, award-winning actor, producer, and humanitarian has been a commanding presence on screen, stage, and television for more than twenty-five years. As an actor, his film credits range from the blockbuster Lethal Weapon franchise to Oscar-nominated films like Witness and The Color Purple to smaller independent features, some of which Glover also produced. Some of his recent work includes co-starring in the critically acclaimed feature Dreamgirls, Po' Boy's Game, and Be Kind, Rewind.
Review :
"A poetic celebration of life. We owe a debt of gratitude to Belvie and Dedan for this moving testament to the eternal power of love, both personal and cosmic."
-- "Riane Eisler, author of The Chalice and the Blade"
"There are moments so fleeting, so ineffable that like the wings of dragonflies, they shimmer, shudder and disappear. So it was that day and has been since Dedan left this realm for another. Belvie is wise enough to know that the memory of Dedan's being is a soul reality that cannot be grasped by any medium other than the poetic."
-- "Reverend Barbara Holmes, PhD, author of Race and the Cosmos"
"This beautiful and engaging love story by two friends and lifelong human rights and social justice activists models what love can be in these times. Dedan's poetic vision, ranging from the personal to the cosmic, enriches us all."
-- "Danny Glover, humanitarian and actor"
"This lovely offering brings a Buddhist teaching to mind, that of The Two Wings, wisdom and compassion. It is said that both are required to fly and to liberate the mind...this poetic love story embodies the liberated heart-mind."
-- "Ruth King, founder, Mindful Members Insight Meditation Community"
"This manuscript holds a pulsing rhythm all its own. Dedan very simply was the embodiment of love, peace and respect for all life. He was a true spiritual warrior of peace. I am confident that through the dark valleys, and crushing trials that life is made of, Dedan has reached that blissful place of peace."
-- "Diane Longboat, healer and educator at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada"
