Ancestors watch over me
 
in my pursuit 

of  excellence 

and precision.
 
Just as our foremothers,
 
and the mothers before them
 
steady shaky ground.
 
Loving spiritual guidance
 
Abound.
 
My footsteps being led
 
by black women 

who said mediocrity
 
is never good enough,
 
that we are made of 

stronger stuff,
 
and no less than my best
 
will ever be accepted.
 
Standing strong
 
in roots of my
 
resilient family tree
 
nurtured by the strength
 
and determination 

of every black African
 
woman before me… 

I will succeed