African Mom Core
This phrase is usually said right before you get in trouble, even if you didn’t do anything
“Come here, I won’t beat you”
All African food is spicy
false
This is what aunties ask you the minute you turn 21
“When are you getting married?”
This Nigerian author shut down the world with Americanah.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This is what happens when someone says they don’t like Jollof.
Immediate side-eye
This household item becomes a weapon of discipline with supernatural accuracy.
slipper
This West African dish causes the most debate over who makes it best.
jollof rice
This is the unofficial Olympic sport at African parties
dancing
This Angolan queen resisted Portuguese colonization for decades
Queen Nzinga
This is the unofficial dress code for African events.
“Overdressed and proud”
This degree is considered the only acceptable career path in many African households.
doctor
“All African women can dance.”
A stereotype
This phrase means you’re not actually in trouble yet… but you will be.
“We will talk when we get home.”
This South African singer was nicknamed “Mama Africa.”
Miriam Makeba
This is what happens when the DJ plays Afrobeats at an ASO function.
the dance floor clear of non-Africans
This phrase means you’re about to compare yourself to someone else’s child.
“Look at Aisha’s daughter”
This fabric from Ghana is often worn at graduations and major achievements.
kente
This is the academic standard expected of you at Texas Woman’s University, according to your family.
Straight A’s only
This Liberian president became Africa’s first elected female head of state.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
This is the facial expression African moms give that requires no words
death stare
This is what African moms say when guests come over, and suddenly you’re well-behaved.
“Don’t embarrass me”
“African women are submissive and quiet.”
absolutely false
This is the silent competition between African aunties at events.
Who dressed best / whose child is most successful?
This Supreme Court Justice became the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Ketanji Brown Jackson
Name three African women leaders or historical figures who completely defy the “submissive” stereotype.
Queen Nzinga, Winnie Mandela, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf