*A Celebration of African Beauty* I'm a chubby Ndebele girl, with skin so bright, My ancestors' legacy, shining with delight. On Africa Day, I celebrate my roots so deep, My culture, my heritage, my beauty, I keep. I look up to Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan heroine true, Who fought for the environment, and saw it through. I admire Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia's first female president, A leader, a role model, who paved the way for me to be present. I think of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, a fighter for what's right, A symbol of strength, in the face of adversity's might. I honor Yaa Asheema, a queen mother of Ghana's past, A leader, a diplomat, who brought peace to the land at last. I celebrate Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a Nigerian pioneer, A women's rights activist, who fought for what was dear. I admire Hatshepsut, Egypt's female pharaoh so grand, A leader, a builder, who left her mark on the land. My Ndebele beads, a colorful array, A symbol of my culture, in a vibrant way. My aprons, my blankets, my traditional dress so fine, A reflection of my heritage, a story so divine. I celebrate my Ndebele roots, my ancestors' way, Their traditions, their customs, their language, every day. I honor my grandmother, who taught me the ways, Of our culture, our heritage, our Ndebele days. I'm proud of my Ndebele art, my bright colors so bold, My beadwork, my pottery, my traditional tales so told. I'm proud of my heritage, my history so grand, From Mzilikazi's leadership to Lobengula's land. I'll dance to the rhythm, of the djembe's beat, I'll sing with joy, my heart skipping a repeat. I'll wear my traditional clothes, with pride and with cheer, I'll celebrate Africa, my continent, my dear. I'll honor my sisters, my mothers, my friends, The women who inspire me, till the very end. I'll celebrate our diversity, our cultures so rich, Our beauty, our strength, our resilience, which never diminish. I'll celebrate our African languages, our traditions so dear, Our music, our dance, our art, which brings us near. I'll honor our African heroes, who fought for what's right, Their legacy lives on, shining with delight. So let us celebrate, our African beauty so true, Our cultures, our heritage, our history, anew. Let us honor our mothers, our sisters, our daughters too, For we are the backbone, of Africa's story anew. *NKAZIMULO CAROL MSEBELE ~ a proud Ndebele girl*