Looking For Hope by Mbinguni

(Stepping Into Spring...Life Is A MASKuerade)

April 3, 2021 by Jennie (JayBee)

What a glorious morning it ended up being for the hosting of Mbinguni’s debut novel,

“Looking for Hope” book discussion at historic Epping Forest Yacht and Country Club.

I (JayBee) arrived at 8:45 a.m. to set up for our event and to make sure all was in order for the pre-function and luncheon when guests arrived.

Everyone knows how much I love surprising members and guests and this occasion was no different. I was TRULY excited because only 2 other members were aware that Celestial (Sing) was actually the author, using a pseudonym.

In normal Bonnie fashion, she was the 1st member to arrive and immediately began assisting me with preparations (Y’all know I love myself some BONNIE!!) by placing the author/vendor names on the tables and directing guest regarding our Diaper Bank of Northeast Florida, “diaper drop” and other necessary details downstairs, while I was finalizing details upstairs. As over 50 members and guests began arriving in their spring attire with their diapers in tow, they had their temperatures checked and then were directed to the terrace for hot beverages and Hors d’oeuvres as they took photos and fellowshipped. Did I mention it was a "GLORIOUS" morning? It was good to see so many ladies that have visited with us before and it is ALWAYS great to see members of "Sisters Expression Book Club (SEBC) in attendance

Since many of the authors and vendors arrived early to set up; they began discussing and selling their book and products during the pre-function event. This really worked out well since many of the ladies arrived early enough to peruse the tables. Many of the authors (Shakira Thompson, Katherin Garland, & Nikesha Williams) are already friends of U.S. G.I.R.L.S., so it was good to have them participate and re-acquaint ourselves with their work.

Once everyone entered the meeting space on the 2nd floor, members and guests were greeted with bountiful spring colors on the tables and screen. We opened the meeting with a warm welcome and BEAUTIFUL prayer by frequent guest, Rachel Hulyk. The salad was already plated and the servers began busying themselves by bringing the Tomato Bisque Soup to each place setting.

In the essence of time, I began reviewing the “Reading Situation” and “Most Reviews Written” Categories. Karen won the most reviews written category with 12!! I mentioned that I located five (5) outlets for reviewing "Looking For Hope" and was surprised when guest, Louise sent me an Email that she reviewed the book on "Facebook!" The reading situation challenge was won by Valerie with 137 Instagram and Twitter “LIKES”!!! Honorable mentions were extended to Sharron, who was second and Bonnie, who came in 3rd place. Karen and Val were allowed to select their prizes first and they each selected Brahmin weekender bags. The other winners chose either Brahmin handbags or Ubuntu Tote Bags. The Ubuntu product line creates beautiful products for sale in Kenya and internationally, providing mothers of children with special needs and others in their community with sustainable employment. All the gifts I chose for the give-away were intended to reference traveling – just as Mouse had done in the book and to uplift the land from which Mbinguni's Ancestor's hailed (double wink, wink).

You too can support Africa's sustainability by purchasing from the Ubuntu website: https://www.ubuntu.life/

Once everyone had gone through the buffet for their lunch, which consisted of Mixed Vegetables, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Roasted Chicken Breast w/ Crimini Marsala, Grilled Salmon w/ Lemon-Dill Butter, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes w/ Old Bay Aioli and assorted miniature desserts display which included Key Lime Tartlets, Mini Cheesecakes, Apple Dumplings and Chocolate Brownies, I completed the raffle for the remaining 4 bags and then began the “book talk” segment.

Many of the ladies struggled with continuing with the book after the initial tragedy in the 1st chapter. Later, Lisa confessed that she put the book down for a period before picking it backup.

Carlottra expressed her pure hatred and disdain for Ray and held nothing back. When we touch on the topic of law enforcement not searching for a "murderer" it brought back memories of the "Jim Crow" Era. Since this was the period that the book was set in, it was quite common for the times when "Black Lives" truly did not seem to matter. This conversation could have gone on for hours.

Everyone mentioned how the author was able to transport Readers to another place while with her excellent characterization and visual prose. Some ladies referenced their childhood and many spoke about images that evoked fond memories and some not so fond.

Some of the ladies really related to Mouse’s transition into womanhood with the commencement of her monthly cycle. One guest, who was primarily raised by her father recanted that she could not bring herself to tell her father when she began and it was not until after a year that she finally shared this information.

Sharwonda shared an intriguing (yet relatable) story regarding her youth that was a moment of racial clarity regarding domestics and their relationships with employers.

Without question, Mouse and Ms. Bernadette formed an attachment. Did it step outside of the ethical boundaries? How attached is TOO attached when it comes to Teacher/student relationships? Sierra Peek, who is an educator, did not voice an objection to the relationship, in fact she endorsed Teachers having bonds with their students. Yvonne co-signed this by adding that some students need that extra show of affection because in some cases, they are not receiving that emotional component from home.

The resounding theme of "STRONG BLACK WOMEN" was evident in Mbinguni's novel. On Mouse's journey, she encountered numerous women along the way who influenced her life.

When "Looking For Hope" becomes a movie, everyone had an opinion for the actor to portray Ray. The suggestions ranged from Aldis Hodge of "Underground" fame to Omar Dorsey of "Queen Sugar".

Everyone had a favorite/memorable part of the novel. Ola' mentioned the segment when Suga and Ray were having intercourse and Mouse mentioned that she felt Suga was a Witch casting a spell on Ray. Remembering that scene made everyone erupt into laughter! Celeste recalled the scene where the Buick Electra 225 (Deuce And A Quarter) was mentioned and it brought back memories of her childhood.

Miss Pearl's character was quite mystical. Here is a table reading that time did not allow me to share during our event:

The entire meeting exchange was riveting, but one of the most memorable and enlightening moments was when Cousin Rose made the profound statement that "We all have secrets." That basically summed up Mouse's tragedy that resulted in a large majority of her childhood on the run. Ironically enough, it summed up what was about to be revealed during the meeting!!

At 1:00 pm, Crystal Park, Director of the Diaper Bank of Northeast Florida arrived and took the podium to thank everyone for the diaper donations and to share some statistics with us regarding the diaper need in Northeast Florida as well as the injustices with regards to EBT card and other Government assistance (or lack thereof) when it comes to diaper products.

Now, at 1:15, it is time for Mbinguni to be “Skyped” into our meeting (wink wink), but unbeknownst to the members and guests, Mbinguni was revealed to be frequent guest, Celestial!! Once I informed everyone that Mbinguni was actually here, the Ooooos, Ahhhhs and "I knew it" commenced. Then I proclaimed: "WELCOME MBINGUNI, Y'ALL"...

After "The Reveal", it was time for the author Q & A session. Celeste and others wanted to know her "muse" and inspiration for "Looking For Hope" Mbinguni was clear and concise regarding her spirituality and trusting her voice.

To view the question and answer segment in its entirety, please go to the "Video" tab on this site (Video Credit: Antionette Tucker).

It was my pleasure to host this event, and I hope everyone had an afternoon of delight, shock and awe...Until next time... Smooches, JayBee