RENOWNED WRITER, HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER ZERBANOO GIFFORD TO VISIT FEZANA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS AS PART OF INTERNATIONAL BOOK TOUR PROMOTING HER GROUND BREAKING BIOGRAPHY, AN UNCENSORED LIFE
Alongside author Farida Master, Gifford will visit Zoroastrian community centers in Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York
FEZANA the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America, today announced that Zerbanoo Gifford, renowned writer and human rights campaigner, philanthropist, women’s champion, and founder of the groundbreaking international ASHA Centre in England, will visit FEZANA member associations in Philadelphia, New York, D.C., Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles in May 2017, as she introduces Zoroastrian audiences to her inspiring biography, An Uncensored Life.
Authored by seasoned writer and editor, Farida Master, An Uncensored Life is a compelling biography of Gifford, a game changer at the heart of the women’s movement and a pioneer for Asians in British public life. Born in India, Zerbanoo moved to London at the age of four. By her thirties, she chaired committees, advised political leaders and was the first Asian woman to stand for Parliament, having made history being elected onto Harrow Council. Both local and global in her determination to see real change, Zerbanoo worked for the homeless charity ‘SHELTER’ and was director of ‘Anti-Slavery International’ the oldest human rights organisation in the world.
Overcoming racial attacks, political disenchantment, legal battles against the Government and a near-death experience, Zerbanoo’s is a gripping story of a fearless woman who has held fast to the causes of equality and global justice. Her story spans a period of unprecedented social change in Britain. Described as a warrior princess, she is also known as a cosmic networker, connecting people of all backgrounds, faiths and traditions in celebrating our humanity.
Zerbanoo Gifford recently served as the guest editor of the FEZANA Journal Winter 2016 issue on the theme “Working Towards An Equal Society”.
Comments on Gifford, An Uncensored Life, and Gifford’s book tour:
Bishop Desmond Tutu: “Zerbanoo’s vision has led to alternative ways to make a real difference in the world– and she trod that path, regardless of the challenges.”
Philanthropist Meera Gandhi: “Zerbanoo has helped to empower women to take their rightful place in the international arena. Her story reads as a modern tale of shakti power.”
Industrialist Ratan Tata: “this biography of a remarkable lady reflects the momentous changes of our age and the importance of investing in the future of the world’s young.”
FEZANA President Homi D. Gandhi: “Zerbanoo’s stellar record is focused on empowering women and girls and we are fortunate to have her sharing her time with us in the United States. The book tour gives FEZANA member associations an opportunity to share in the public square what we are involved with, as a caring, cohesive and compassionate community.”
Schedule of events in USA
Los Angeles: Sunday, May 7th @ 2pm
Book reading at CZC Center: Organized by the Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC) and California Zoroastrian Center (CZC)
Houston: Friday, May 12th @ 6.30pm
Zoroastrian Association of Houston, 8787 West Airport Boulevard, Houston, TX 77071
Chicago: Sunday, May 14th @ Noon
Mother’s Day Brunch organized by the Zoroastrian Association of Chicago
Washington D.C. Tuesday, May 16th @ 6.30
Informal meeting with ZAMWI. Contact president@zamwi.org for further details
Philadelphia area Sunday, 21st May @ 11am
Zoroastrian Association of Pennsylvania and New Jersey (ZAPANJ) 440 Westminster Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
New York Monday, May 22nd Leslie @7pm at New York Open Centre
22 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016
Zoroastrians are followers of one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions founded by the prophet Zarathushtra more than 3,000 years ago in ancient Iran. Zoroastrians have long-served as bridge builders in interfaith dialogue, believing in truth, righteousness, charity, beneficence, respect for the environment and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
About FEZANA
Founded in 1987 and celebrating its 30-year anniversary, FEZANA serves as the coordinating body for 26 Zoroastrian member associations and 15 corresponding groups throughout the United States and Canada. FEZANA promotes the study, understanding and practice of the Zoroastrian faith in North America. FEZANA represents the interests of its member associations, and carries out philanthropic and charitable activities worldwide. FEZANA Journal, FEZANA’s publication of record, circulates to Zoroastrian households in more than 22 countries, as well as to scholars, academicians and religious organizations worldwide. www.fezana.org
