Queen Nzinga demanded to be treated as an equal and refused to take a king

‘BRAZEN’ | Excerpts from a forthcoming graphic novel highlighting women throughout history

(Pénélope Bagieu/Lily illustration)

For the next 15 weeks, leading up to International Women’s Day, we will be sharing excerpts from “Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World,” by Pénélope Bagieu. In these illustrations, we’ll learn about space pioneers and queens, doctors and athletes.

This week, we’re bringing you a look at Queen Nzinga of Ndonga and Matamba’s life.