Surfacing....Phenomenal Women on Passion, Politics and Purpose Women are the backbone of civilization and the foundation of society. We give birth to humanity while nurturing mankind; all the while providing strength to survive and thrive through all diversities, obstacles and barriers placed in the way of our journey. We are empowered by spirituality, faith, and tenacity, which forms a glue that holds us together; a bond so strong, nothing can tear it apart, not even a Hurricane named Katrina or her sister Rita. These natural disasters succeeded in crumbling dwellings, but not the human spirit; the soul is not easily broken. In the midst of these tragedies, we united, providing aide and relating to one another as we suffered yet another blow. Surfacing is composed of women authors who have collaborated to provide inspiration, humor, encouragement, comfort, and empathy toward the plight of all people especially people of color. This is more than an anthology; it is coffee-table conversation on Passion, Politics, and Purpose from one family member to another, told from the perspective that relates like only phenomenal women can. This anthology provides fulfillment and understanding of how the pieces of our individual lives fit together, and demonstrates "that which does not kill us makes us stronger." As Hurricanes Katrina and Rita used tides to try to destroy us, they failed to realize that people are like coffee or tea; add water to us, and that's when our flavor becomes stronger and is released. Surfacing. is a rich, flavorful mixture of poetry and prose that will satisfy even the most discriminate literary palate. All of the net proceeds from the sale of this anthology will be donated to charities for Hurricane Katrina and Rita survivors.