" Mama, what do you think it means to be an African woman? ... It is to be strong, Zenzele. It is to be at peace within. You must always listen to that inner voice and not permit others to drown it out. It is to measure your words; to balance your works with your gifts carefully; it is in some ways to be selfless, to serve others yet to know and defend your rights to the bitter end. "

― J. Nozipo Maraire , Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter