In 'Find Me Unafraid,' Kennedy Odede and Jessica Posner share their extraordinary journey from the slums of Nairobi to the global stage. Their love story intertwines with a passionate mission to empower girls through education and combat poverty. The vivid narrative reveals the transformative power of hope and determination against the backdrop of challenging circumstances. As they navigate cultural differences and societal obstacles, readers are left wondering: can love truly change the world? This inspiring memoir encourages us to fight for justice and never lose sight of our dreams.
By Kennedy Odede, Jessica Posner
Published: 2016
"In the face of adversity, we do not seek pity; we seek purpose."
Find Me Unafraid tells the uncommon love story between two uncommon people whose collaboration sparked a successful movement to transform the lives of vulnerable girls and the urban poor. With a Foreword by Nicholas Kristof. This is the story of two young people from completely different worlds: Kennedy Odede from Kibera, the largest slum in Africa, and Jessica Posner from Denver, Colorado. Kennedy foraged for food, lived on the street, and taught himself to read with old newspapers. When an American volunteer gave him the work of Mandela, Garvey, and King, teenaged Kennedy decided he was going to change his life and his community. He bought a soccer ball and started a youth empowerment group he called Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO). Then in 2007, Wesleyan undergraduate Jessica Posner spent a semester abroad in Kenya working with SHOFCO. Breaking all convention, she decided to live in Kibera with Kennedy, and they fell in love.Their connection persisted, and Jessica helped Kennedy to escape political violence and fulfill his lifelong dream of an education, at Wesleyan University. The alchemy of their remarkable union has drawn the support of community members and celebrities alike—The Clintons, Mia Farrow, and Nicholas Kristof are among their fans—and their work has changed the lives of many of Kibera’s most vulnerable population: its girls. Jess and Kennedy founded Kibera’s first tuition-free school for girls, a large, bright blue building, which stands as a bastion of hope in what once felt like a hopeless place. But Jessica and Kennedy are just getting started—they have expanded their model to connect essential services like health care, clean water, and economic empowerment programs. They’ve opened an identical project in Mathare, Kenya’s second largest slum, and intend to expand their remarkably successful program for change. Ultimately this is a love story about a fight against poverty and hopelessness, the transformation made possible by a true love, and the power of young people to have a deep impact on the world.
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“In the face of adversity, we do not seek pity; we seek purpose.”
Find Me Unafraid
By Kennedy Odede, Jessica Posner
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Kennedy Odede is a Kenyan social entrepreneur and author known for his evocative storytelling and powerful narratives that shed light on social issues and the resilience of marginalized communities. His notable works include 'Find Me Unafraid,' co-authored with Jessica Posner, which recounts his journey from the slums of Kibera to becoming a renowned advocate for social change. Odede's writing style combines personal experiences with broader socio-political commentary, often infused with hope and inspiration. He is the founder of Shining Hope for Communities, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in poverty.
Jessica Posner is a celebrated author known for her compelling narratives and insightful character development. Her notable works include 'The Clover House' and 'The Girl Who Lived,' which have garnered critical acclaim and captivated readers worldwide. Posner's writing style is characterized by rich, vivid prose and a keen sense of emotional depth, often exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience. With a passion for storytelling, she continues to engage audiences with her thought-provoking tales.
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