Zumbi is the Image of a New Hero for Children

When I think back to my days as a young boy, I remember having this brewing feeling of courage, protection and altruism naturally and instinctively developing in me; The arousal of a warrior coursing through my body. As most boys do, I looked to the limited iconic figures given to us by popular media to identify with. Animated characters like He Man, Wolverine, Lion-o, and G.I Joe served as the representation of what a heroic man is. At best, our real-life personification of honorable manhood rested on the steroid injected shoulders of Hulk Hogan, Coco Beware, and the Ultimate Warrior.

However, none of these foresaid characters had any basis in reality. None of them served a cause that addressed the many socio-political and economic barriers that were prevalent in my community. Not one of these figures was equipped with the strength and wisdom necessary that a good man possesses to help my family, and my surrounding community, rise above our dysfunction. All they had to offer was ballooned muscles, a dim witted personality, and a single-track mind focused on persecuting the "bad guy."

When I created Zumbi the Capoeira Freedom Fighter, I wanted to offer boys a real-to-life character who's struggles, grapples with oppression, and overcoming of fear led him to purposeful heroism. I wanted boys to have a figure that was endowed with principle and values of honor, empathy, self-determination, resilience and spirituality. Someone who's character was built with the girth of love for his people and pursuit for his inalienable right to freedom. The proof of men who stood valiant as did Zumbi exist and our children should know about them.

Zumbi, with his chiseled chest, massive arms and wild dreadlocks, not only has stature and presence, but stands by meaning and purpose, which in my eyes is the image of a new hero for our children.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Zumbi the Capoeira Freedom Fighter, please click the link to my website below. 

www.jahjahbooks.com

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