Portuguese Governor João Correa de Sousa arrogantly sat in the one chair in the meeting room. He waited for Queen Nzinga to sit at his feet, but he would learn she had time today. And it was his turn to learn.
Queen Nzinga waved a hand, and one of her loyal servants immediately dropped on all fours, becoming a human throne for his queen. The Portuguese governor and his men were awestruck. But what brought Queen Nzinga here?
In 1622, the Portuguese began encroaching on Mbundu land. They invited King Ngola Mbande to a peace conference to end hostilities. However, the king did not go; instead, he sent his sister Nzinga in his place. Nzinga knew her presence would alarm the Portuguese, but she was ready.
So there she was, showing her strength and silently commanding respect. With a simple gesture, she showed the Portuguese colonizers that her culture was royal, and nothing they did could change that.
The queen put the Portuguese in their place for trying to disrespect her. Like her, we must stand up for ourselves and our people.