On black skin: “The colour black, a bad omen” wrote Zimbabwean poet endorsed by Obama [TBT]

A Canada-based Zimbabwean writer, Mandipa Shumba, has indeed been making great strides. However, most Zimbabweans who know her have probably come across her achievements without much understanding of her works.

One of her great works is called Legends with Dreams. The book is a compilation of poems, most of which tell the story of the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe. The poems also shines a positive light on what the world often looks down upon. This includes the privilege of being black.

On being black, one of the poems reads:

The colour black, a bad omen

But brother I say:

Woe to him that defies our

skin,

For black is beautiful

And Africa is blessed

The former American President, Barack Obama, praised the Zimbabwean writer for this very book, “Legends with Dreams.” This follows after Mandipa wrote to Obama to take a look at her work to which he responded favourably.

You’re probably wondering where she is now.

The 22 year old owns a Publishing house under the name “Mandi Inspirations.” The publishing house gives publishing guidelines to individuals and organisations around the world.This June they’ve helped in the release of a poetry book titled “Love, Apathy and Poison” which is now available on Amazon.

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