'Black Girl' and other poems: Vuyelwa Maluleke at TEDxSoweto 2013

Vuyelwa Maluleke's poetry is influenced largely by her urban surroundings, the women within them, the men they choose to love, and the sisters and children they make room for in the world.
Follow Vuyelwa on Twitter: @vee_m_words
Visit Vuyelwa at her blog: ivuxolo.tumblr.com
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@leilaniandcrysmorales5330]

breath taking. I felt her ancestors. what a show

[@faithdziba7188]

"If I told you my hair passed through customs 3 times, funded the education of 2 children in India, belonged to a Samson who'd let love get the better of him and then recovered, would you forgive my hair?" Slay!!!!!!

[@vickyhuynh6373]

I love how you speak with so much passion. Every word contains so much life and felt genuine. So many people feel insecure and that they are not good enough for people. All of the poems have so much charm and depth to it.

[@shalishamorgan7486]

"Big School" was very powerful! Love the unique name your parent(s) gave you!

[@jimmyaxk]

wow! i stumble on this and just had to have everyone at the office listen to these poems

[@franciscakwankye9913]

I loooooove the art in her... Her actions... The display.....the power and emotions in her voice she's goooood

[@sivemadikidikane6687]

Oh my goodness, I love her!

[@lindiwemle2221]

I love her voice

[@ZENJEWELS_ZA]

I've always loved this video. a friend recently posted about it and got me to check it out again. I'm still so in love with each poem. I'm finishing her sentences because of how much I enjoyed the poet when this was still new to me vs now 💚✨

[@mariatney]

Thanks for sharing. You are right in every word, every lump counts.. So make them say it. Absolutely love it!

[@brokiiaden7604]

Not bad you just need proper pronunciation, some off that words

[@zanelemadiba178]

So proud of you Ve & these poems are amazing. You're a talented poet. Pula!

[@jenaycalloway6085]

Such beautiful words used as ingredients to define...loved it all!!!

[@Wakilispeare]

Yaaaass! Vuyelwa, you go girl...this is real good ^_^

[@qudeebest6729]

Such sweet voice... lovely poems.

[@autumnreign69]

How Beautiful and Powerful, truth and poetry, you blessed us with wisdom...

[@berhekidanu3083]

Wow nice our sister.

[@mjdobson88]

Excellent, very talented.

[@namhlaw8614]

goose bumps!!!!!! wow!

[@adamacole4286]

You're amazing young lady.

[@szn2727]

Relate relate relate relate relate. On every level.

[@TheJenettie]

Really refreshing poetry

[@quintamia3954]

Girl, you're amazing. Love your spirit.❤

[@achiericky188]

That beautiful *big school* poem got a lot of people uncomfortable ❤️Reality does that to people 😍I loved it. 💯

[@TheNannygoat05]

chills. ❤️ speak your truth mama

[@ladyci20]

Excellent....

[@cassandrawarner6853]

YOUNG LADY I LOVE IT GOD BLESS

[@Confineness]

Love it made me look at all the years I let people get away with mispronouncing my name
Shame shame
I'll MAKE THEM SAY IT

[@flishnizadifad]

Great talk Vuvuzela!

[@scottjohnson4154]

well recited

[@raymondelindor8535]

Great Job.

[@winnie-rosejeremiah4322]

Who else loves her?

[@crystalminitryand8394]

I loooooooooove her , big up😍😍😍😍😍

[@gloriaafetor2400]

Wow, just wow❤️

[@winnie-rosejeremiah4322]

Wow! Girl, you are so sweet! Big up beautiful girl with brain and talent.

[@mimsyglo]

Good lawd! Good lawd! Good lawd! You are just amazing! i cant stop watching and listening to you.

[@shinellabrahams4269]

Big school 👑🙌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@robynbieber4275]

Love it!

[@soweto_griot]

make them say!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@acajudi100]

beautiful.🇺🇸❤️💯✈️

[@sOnlight67]

"...the excess of your splendor..."

[@agnesshibambu9132]

Wow u voice dear

[@nthabisengmasiteng2137]

you rock sweetheart

[@lesegomaqubela8369]

amaaaaziiiiiing girl

[@katlegosepotokele3501]

why am I catching this now???

[@marymartin6107]

that hairstyle looks good on you

[@miraim-b5572]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW

[@biembammereki9419]

Mirdx😣❤💖😮😁😁😁😁😁❤💖💖🍆😈😈😈😈ai M-😶😢😨😑😗😕😨😱😈😕😕😨😨😕❤😕
.;@;qff/ggirls high ;;1;1;^*6""mmmccxfh,/f wx

[@hlengiwendaba6634]

you are the best

[@Chriss-mg8wd]

🧡🌼✨

[@sOnlight67]

"...make them choke on it..."

[@holyrealestatepvtl.t.d.lal3204]

Nice

[@orediyaolu3354]

damn girl

[@delcetashaw8257]

0r bbm bb non mm nnmnlllll

[@delcetashaw8257]

Very ğ9o

[@cdale211989]

what did her mom say at 8:10 ?

[@zinhlemercator8793]

cd2189 Do you think Van da Merva comes easy to my tongue

[@teex3110]

:)

[@joannaalexander5114]

Tee x liy

[@joannaalexander5114]

Tee x. littlebigshotssteveharveyshow

[@nthabisengmasiteng2137]

you rock sweetheart