I must be honest, I did not plan this post; it is inspired by a google search that had nothing to do with history. I was on the look for some inspiration on how to wear headwraps. You see, I have a lot of hair, and sometimes I don't feel like doing it. So I do lazy styles using turbans or hats.
Well, on my search for different ways to wear headwraps, I came across this picture…
Amina
Can we say intrigued?? This post will feature African queens in history that you need to know about.
The image above is of Amina, the Queen of Zaria, Nigeria, also known as the warrior queen. She reigned from 1576-1610 and was the first female queen in the Zaria empire. Her grandfather recognized her leadership and militant skills, so he allowed her to attend state meetings. During her reign, she expanded territory in Zaria, lead an army of over 20,000 soldiers, inspired women empowerment, and sis knew how to rock a turban. Here's a nice article featuring more on her life and legacy.
The Queens of Nubia
This next queen is not just one woman, but a few. These women are known as The Queens of Nubia, also known as Kandake's, which translates to Queen Mother. These women ruled in ancient Egypt.
Watch this short video on Queen Amanirenas, who ruled from c. 40 BC to c.10 BC. She blocked Roman expansion to her land and even beheaded a statue of Augustus Caesar to show her despise....SAVAGE!
Yaa Asantewaa was an influential leader of the Ashanti empire, known as modern-day Ghana. She piloted a rebellion to defend her land from British rule. If you do a quick search on The War of The Golden Stool, you'll learn that the war lasted from March to September 1900. For the most part, the war was successful. Asantewaa defended the Golden Stool fort from capture. However, the Ashanti empire was still under British control, but with "little" moderation and interference from the British.
What's really cool about this queen is the famous image of her carrying a gun dressed in a bulletproof vest during the war against the British. Sadly, she was exiled by the British and later died. A school, a museum, and a week-long celebration in Ghana is dedicated to the audacious leader.
On March 6, 1957, Ghana would gain its independence from British rule and became the first sub-Saharan African country to do so.
"I must say this, if you, the men of Ashanti, will not go forward, then we will. We, the women, will. I shall call upon my fellow women. We will fight! We will fight till the last of us falls in the battlefields."
-Yaa Asantewaa
Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail.
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