Two little girls meeting in 1969 in Jackson, Mississippi realize that the difference in their skin colors makes no difference to their friendship. As they grow into adults, amid hardships and blessings, they overcome a culture that sees their color, and not their hearts. 

SYNOPSIS:

“Diary of a Black Girl" aka If Not For You tells the story of two best friends who find their way in life in the south during integration as a whole new world opens up for people of color. Sondra and Catherine come from two very different worlds in the unlikeliest of times. Their friendship faces racism, poverty, and heartache. But it also discovers faith, happiness, miracles, redemption, love, marriage, and children.

Sondra, a fiercely independent black woman, who has suffered so much, sees a new path in a new culture. She teaches Catherine what it means to have traveled a much different road during childhood.

Catherine, a white woman of privilege, almost lets resentments of a southern past, and distrustful husbands, pull them apart, but they hold on. But even a deep and abiding friendship can’t overcome a cancer diagnosis, and one of them must learn to go on in life without the other.

Co-written by Kathleen Mazzanti, the little girl on which one character is based. "In 1969 I was eight years old in Jackson Ms, and I was bused across town to a formerly all black elementary school called French Elementary during integration. I met a little black girl in my class named Sondra. We instantly had a connection and became best friends. We lost touch, and I have often wondered what became of her. This story is based on my friendship with her, and with all the women in my life whose friendships uplifted me and changed me. If not for Sondra, I’m not sure I would be the woman that I am."

About Deenur: In addition to completing 11 screenplays (with 3 receiving a contract), I have written two novels (one for which I received a contract), and numerous short works (two with a contract).