Passion for life inspires author and poet, Brenda M. Tillman. A native of Hartford, Connecticut, Tillman, who now resides in Atlanta, Georgia, uses the vibrancy and vitality of the metropolitan city as the melting pot to present her talents. Her employment background includes various positions in state government, business and higher education. Personally, she is an advocate for the arts, peace, global equality, human development, and cultural diversity. She is eloquent, eclectic, and innovative. She has hobbies that encompass the areas of performing and visual arts, written and spoken word, and cultural and international awareness. Through her volunteer efforts, she has been the editor of several newsletters and magazines. She has been writing poetry since her preteen years. She has interviewed several jazz musicians and has been a contributing writer for former Atlanta magazine, Strictly Jazz. Those interviewed include pianist David Beniot, violinist Regina Carter, the late Art Porter, saxophonist, and vocalist Dianne Reeves. She has also written book reviews for Black Issues Book Review Magazine and contributed scriptural-based messages in religious booklets. She is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Brenda M. Tillman shares her life experiences – real and imagined, through poetic expression, in her first book, Shades of Mandingo. Explore the qualities of a king within the pages of this book. The cost of book is $15.00 (Money order) plus $5.00 shipping and handling. It is available through mail order via her company, Jobrelika Enterprises International, LLC. www.jeillc.com ##