First before anything
Written By: Laura Mokoena, Hyde Park High School
First before anything
I am black
And because I am black
I do not lack
Any melanin in my skin
Any curls in my hair
I am black
Outside and within
First before anything
I am Zulu
I am related to all the Khumalo’s
And all the Zungu’s
When we have ceremonies
I proudly ululate
And I know all the Zulu’s
Out there can relate
First before anything
I am Sotho
From a young age
All I was taught was Ubuntu
I am grateful for all my ancestors
The Thabane’s and the Mabena’s
For they are the reason
That today I am Laura Mokoena
First before anything
I am black and because I am black, I do not lack…
Heritage
Khaloza Books Feedback on Submission:
A well written piece that uses repetition and rhythm perfectly to emphasize and celebrate the writers identity. The piece is sweet, yet conveys a strong sense of identity, of self and self-love; which leaves the readers with a powerful felling of a culture affirmed. Congratulations Laura, you win a book by African author Ngugi wa Thiong’o – Birth of a Dream Weaver.
