It didn't take me long to realize what I wanted my first blog post to be about, because I want people to fully understand what type of a blogger I want to morph into from the get go.
A few months back I listened to a video where the phenomenal, outstanding and inspiring actress Tracee Ellis Ross was being interviewed, and she mentioned a quote from Pema Chödrön the American, Tibetan Buddhist, which goes a little something like this;
"Right now can you make an unconditional relationship with yourself
Just at the height you are
The weight you are
With the intelligence you have
And your current burden of pain
Can you enter into an unconditional relationship with that?"
WOW! That was the first thought that crossed my mind after hearing and learning of that quote. Just the intensity of it all. I then questioned myself on whether I could really do that, and that time to be honest, I couldn't confidently say I was loving myself unconditionally, as I should be. Which was completely heartbreaking. Alas! Lately, everything has turned tables for me.
Now, I am what you would call an unapologetically black Zimbabwean African, and true to myself and who I am.
However, I don't want this piece to be all about me, I am going to list my top 10 African women who have been inspiring me, through the way they live their lives unapologetic-ally, and how they have overcome mountains of barriers to be as successful as they are right now. Here goes, in no particular order!
1. Dambisa Moyo
For writing about how government-to-government foreign aid has harmed Africa and should be phased out. This book came out at a timely fashion, following Zimbabwe's economic meltdown. Until this day, everything she mentioned in the book is true-say.
2. Spectra Speaks
For amplifying the voices of marginalized people through media.
3. Uzo Aduba
Being fierce, and letting the world know that it's not all about mainstream physical beauty to make it in life. Originality can also get you far.
4. Danai Gurira
Letting the world appreciate the insights of her incredible mind, through her plays on Africa, depicting it as is, and allowing the Western world to take them as they are.
5. Lupita Nyong'o
Remaining true to her African roots, through all the success, but still risking failure to discover things. Whilst letting the world experience her utmost human experience.
6. Vivian Onano
In her mid-20s, but has already caused a global wave for being an advocate for sustainable healthcare systems in rural Africa.
7. Folorunsho Alakija
Showing us how a business savvy African woman handles herself nationally and internationally.
8. Bonang Matheba
For letting us know that hard work really pays off, and not everyone whose made it came from something.
9. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Composing books that indulge you into the characters described, and showing us what it truly means to be a feminist.
10. Alengot Oromait
Clearly showing that age is nothing but a number, she is in her early 20s, and is the youngest parliamentarian in Africa.
All these women with their beautiful souls and skillful craft in what they do, have immensely affected my life positively. The reason I have listed them is to show that we are not short of amazing black women with great stories to tell. The opportunity just needs to present itself to us.
