The launch began at 10:00 a.m. with book sales, followed by the formal program at 11:00 a.m. featuring a book signing and remarks on July 12, 2025 at the historic Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) in Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States.

Her choice of the venue was deeply personal, as her grandfather, Rev. B.H. Hester, served as pastor of the church from 1922 to 1961. As a lifelong member, the church played a pivotal role in her early life, including her participation in civil rights activities in the 1960s, which she represented in her memoir.

The book launch pulled a diverse crowd, including prominent diplomats, Fredericksburg’s leadership and residents, church members, and those connected to the ambassador’s life and career.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the 31st US ambassador to the United Nations under President Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025, gave a keynote remark at the launch, calling the memoir a “must-read” for its insights in diplomacy. She emphasized its relevance for aspiring diplomats and those interested in African American history.

Other diplomats in attendance included Ambassador Antony Anderson, Jamaica Ambassador to the US; Ambassador Jane Gasu Aheto, Acting Ambassador of Ghana to the US; retired US Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal; retired US Ambassador Bernadette Allen.

Photo (L-R): Ambassador Jane Gasu Aheto, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and Oral Ofori / © TheAfricanDream.co

Retired US Ambassador Bisa Williams also attended, including retired US Ambassador Teddy Taylor; retired US Ambassador Nathalie Brown; Rev. Don Curtis, retired Member of the Senior Foreign Service of the US; Mr. Clinton White, former Counsellor of United States Agency for International Development.

Kerry Devine, Mayor of Fredericksburg attended the book launch, and with him was Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Former May of Fredericksburg; Ms. Morris Moncure, retired Deputy Director of Fredericksburg Tourism and Economic Development; Members of Fredericksburg City Council; and Virginia State University alumni.

Kerry P. Devine, Mayor of Fredericksburg, Virginia (in blue) is flanked by other dignitaries in a group photo at the event / © TheAfricanDream.co

Ambassador Bridgewater read short passages from her memoir, sharing why it was important to tell the story. The book details her experiences growing up in a segregated South, facing racial barriers, and succeeding in a predominantly white, male-dominated field.

The memoir, which is her second book, highpoints her work in critical global moments, such as her role as the longest serving U.S. diplomat during South Africa’s transition from apartheid, where she built trust with Nelson Mandela, and had a farewell lunch with him in 1996.

Her first book, Neutral on nothing — The Social Activism of Reverend B. H. Hester, was written about her grandfather. The beautifully illustrated book on his life as a pastor, educator, writer, and committed social activist was published in 2019, drawing on many original documents and family scrapbooks.

The memoir’s official launch team included Oral Ofori, a friend of Ambassador Bridgewater, and a representative of TheAfricanDream.co at the event. Others include Powell Holly, Chair Alicia Awkard, Esq. Sarah Kuruswo, Dr. Paula Royster, Xavier Richardson, Kevin Pryor, Rev. A. Russell Awkard, Tina Jones, Jamila White, Jackie White, Rosalee Strudwick, and Sarah Artin.

Reviewing the book, Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr., who served as the U.S. ambassador to Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Zimbabwe, described the memoir as a “straightforward and cogent window into her role in navigating U.S. – South Africa relations during one of the most critical periods in global history…”

The second launch of the book will be held in Ghana on July 18, 2025, at the Accra Ridge Church, Accra. The memoir is available online, and you can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.