The beautiful Danai Gurira is known for her strong and fierce roles in “Walking Dead” and “Black Panther.” Just by the characters she plays, whether it’s a strong zombie slayer or a leader of an all-female army to protect Wakanda, she represents the strong qualities of a Black woman. Gurira shares with Bustle that she wasn’t always this self-assured.
Gurira, born to Zimbabwean parents, moved back to Zimbabwe from Iowa when she was 5 years old. She was given the nickname “Dede” that she kept for a while, rejecting the identity attached to her born name Danai. It wasn’t until she questioned her name as a teenager that she realized the underlying meaning. She realized that she hadn’t accepted who she was and her heritage but instead believed she was wasn’t enough. “To me at this point, it’s just so clear. Why would you not find value in all the stunning things that are of you?” She continued, “there’s such a fascinating exploration to embark upon once you have embraced your truth and the truth of your people, your heritage, and your history. And then you realize that you have a very particular role to play in perpetuating even more of your people’s greatness. You don’t actually have time to dally about in other people’s idea of greatness and diminishing of you. You don’t have time for that.”
Her strength and pride can be seen in these stunning photos.
