all about Madonna

Set in Malawi, Africa, I Am Because We Are is the companion volume to the acclaimed forthcoming documentary by Nathan Rissman and Madonna. With images by award-winning photojournalist Kristen Ashburn, the book provides an intimate look at the lives of eight children featured in the film who have been orphaned by AIDS, as well as an additional series of photographs that reveal the harsh reality of the AIDS pandemic in southern Africa.

The title is derived from the concept of “Ubuntu,” an idea in African spirituality that states that all of humanity is connected, that we cannot be ourselves without community, that an individual¹s well-being is dependent upon the well-being of others. These heart-wrenching stories are a call to action. In a country of 12 million people, over one million are orphaned
children.

As we try to uncover what is in the heads and hearts of these children, we begin to understand that this is a story about all of us. We are reminded that whether we are talking about children in Malawi or anywhere else in the world, if they don’t have a vision, they will never have a future. If they don¹t know where they are going, they will never get there. If we can create a belief in children, that they have the power to impact their future, that they really are their own potential, we can change everything.

I Am Because We Are includes a foreword by Madonna, an afterword by Ashburn, excerpts from interviews with Malawian children, their biographies, and extended captions. Author proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the charitable organization Raising Malawi for their extensive work with orphans throughout Malawi.

Book is available now at Amazon.com or Powerhouse books

Thanks to Jenny from Powerhouse books

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