Diversity Rules Magazine

Diversity Rules Magazine| July 2023| 15 Author Nikki T. Anthony invites readers into the world and mind of a modern-day Black teenager in her new book, The Price We Pay — the tle a nod to the wide- spread impact of racial prejudice on communi es, businesses, schools, families and even churches. "The Price We Pay isn't just a book. It's a movement to get hard conversa ons started," Anthony said. "When difficult conversa ons become produc ve, they improve rela onships." The story centers on Zene a Henchman, a teenage girl with a rebellious streak who is naviga ng strained rela onships with her parents, difficult interac ons with her teachers and complicated feel- ings about her faith. In the backdrop is a community facing a growing racial divide due to unresolved and unaddressed past injus ces. All of this compounds to give Zene a a "one life to live and a nothing else to lose" a tude. She speaks more than she listens and refuses to take orders quietly. But when she witnesses a fatal incident that rocks and divides her community, Zene a falls silent, and she and those closest to her suffer the conse- quences of her inac on. What follows are a string of deliberate a acks against Zene a and the people she cares about, especially Tootsie, the free-spirited, colorful personality that paints a different picture of the world in Zene a's eyes. Tribal tensions flare, sparking an all-out explo- sion a er Zene a's father, the only Black officer on the force, chooses the wrong side of the law when the community, but more importantly when Zene a, needs him most. It's not long a er her father's be- trayal that Zene a discovers there is always a price to be paid when those who could speak up choose to remain silent. The Price We Pay weaves real-world issues surround- ing racial prejudice with the emo onal drama, trau- ma and tension that conflicts — and o en torments — Zene a, giving rise to a story that Anthony hopes will leave readers asking themselves what price they are willing to pay for silence … or for speaking up. "When people can't talk to one another, they talk about each other. That's when misunderstandings grow as trust diminishes and suspicions increase," Anthony added. "We want to open the door to ma- ture discussion by allowing people from all walks of life to use The Price We Pay as a star ng point for healthy conversa ons around racial issues that can produce real change." About the Author Nikki T. Anthony is a mul -faceted author and se- rial entrepreneur who transformed from cor- porate technical writer, to highly sought a er ghostwriter, literary consultant and content developer. Her wri ngs are best known for epic plot twists, enthralling language and richly de- tailed African American characters. For more informa on, please visit www.iamnikkitanthony.com, or follow her on Facebook and Instagram at Nikki T. Anthony. Amazon link: h ps://www.amazon.com/Price-We- Pay-Nikki-Anthony/dp/1636270018/ The Price We Pay: Teenager's Story Underscores Systemic Impact of Racial Prejudice A Book By Nikki T. Anthony

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