“Reparations. Romance. African history. Warrior Women. Colonialism. Suspense. Drama. Justice. Revenge. Mystery. Thriller. Spirituality! ALL THE THINGS I LOVE IN THIS MASTERPIECE OF A NOVEL – Bernard Demczuk’s Mame’s Spirit: Reparations and Romance, An Afro-Futurist Love Story Remixed with Righteousness and West African Spirituality is frightening as well as redemptive. A shore-nuff real page-turner! And for me, the Afterword dedication by CMZ Blackwell, the author’s muse, to four little known reparations sheroes: Belinda Royal, Callie House, Queen Mother Audley Moore, and one other, was the icing on an already delicious cake. So, if you have not already picked up your copy of the book, do so now, and then let’s pick a movie date to see it because it ABSOLUTELY MUST make it to the big screen!”

-Nkechi Taifa Esq.,The Taifa Group

“Who are we to say what is right for civilizations that are thousands of years old when our own nation came into being?”  – Unita Blackwell, SNCC leader in the Mississippi Delta

A “MUST READ” especially with the current climate demanding a more factual explanation over the colonial invasion of West Africa. I see a film coming out of this story.  We need more “Truth-telling” cinema now!–Robin N. Hamilton: Filmmaker

Dr. Demczuk and CMZ are savants for facts as well as enlightening the public to a very dark history.  The narrative unfurls in a thought-provoking yet entertaining method. – Josh Lasky: Adventurist

I hold this narrative close to my heart.  Reparations and Romance should be discussed in context of land stolen which really steals the heart out of Africa and her people.   MAME’s Spirit brings the land home and her truth will lead not run from history and culture . – Aleya Fraser: Argo-ecologist

I have a vested interest in this project in that I’ve known Bernard for decades. I highly recommend picking this up and passing it forward. I can’t wait to meet CMZ Blackwell. – Beverly Hunt: Herbalist

Museum curator: “These items are not for sale.” Kilmonger: “How do you think your ancestors got these? Did they pay a fair price, or did they take them, like they took everything else?” –[Video Link] Black Panther, Kilmonger Museum Scene

When white missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land.   Then we prayed together.  When we opened our eyes, they had the land and we had the Bible. – Desmond Tutu, speaking about rouge & mercenary missionaries in Africa.

One of the most required narratives for the ever-evolving contemporary conversation of colonialism.  CMZ Blackwell and Bernie Demczuk walk a fine line of mystery and predetermined order as a result of a very dark secret of Africa’s past. – Marcia Davis: Supervising Editor of Race and Identity, NPR

If I were alive, I would recommend this as a must-read.  Dr. Demczuk eloquently and compellingly brought light to a tragic time period of inhumane proportions. – Mark Twain: Author, King Leopold Soliloquy 

Mame helps to raise this vital question: How should we atone, reconcile or rectify the brutality of racism and caste that have damaged and continue to harm generations of humanity? The story of King Leopold and the Congo is an especially troubling case. This book presents one fictional answer and helps introduce this central topic that all of us will one day have to confront if we are ever to heal and transform the legacy of hate, human bondage, and their pivotal role in the wealth-building of the Western world.Brenda Jones: Author, QUEENS OF THE RESISTANCE

Mame’s Spirit is an exceptionally told story with plot twists and rich characters that will fascinate readers. Dr. Demczuk and CMZ weave a poignant and timely tapestry of true history that brings the story of human resilience to life. – John McCarthy, Filmmaker, with wife Oumou from Senegal

I believe Mame’s Spirit should be categorized as a “RealFi” as it blends multiple realities and possibilities of what the outcome could be if one became obsessed with one of the histories most covered up atrocities. – Essence Revealed: Author