The African Gender-Bending Warrior Queen
Nzingha Mbande was Queen of the Ambundu Kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba, located in present-day northern Angola. Born into the ruling family of Ndongo, Nzinga received military and political training as a child, and she demonstrated an aptitude for defusing political crises as an ambassador to the Portuguese Empire. She later assumed power after the death of her father and brother. She ruled during a period of rapid growth in the African slave trade and encroachment of the Portuguese Empire into South West Africa. Nzinga fought for the Independence and stature of her kingdoms against the Portuguese in a reign that lasted 37 years. Nzinga was a great warrior and used to dress in what was considered men’s clothing at the time. She was one of the best politicians in the country and she is remembered for her intelligence, her political and diplomatic wisdom, and her brilliant military tactics. Learn more on wikipedia
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