What We Keep: Zinzi Clemmons on Teaching Feminism Through Modeling; Demanding Respect; Mothering; and Modeling Healthy Relationships to Our Children

What We Keep: Zinzi Clemmons on Teaching Feminism Through Modeling; Demanding Respect; Mothering; and Modeling Healthy Relationships to Our Children

May 19, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 190

About this episode

Zinzi Clemmons discusses the influence of her mother on feminism, respect in relationships, and the connection between teaching and mothering.

American award-winning writer Zinzi Clemmons , author of What We Lose and Freedom , talks about her South African mother, Dorothy — an activist and teacher who devoted her life to serving underprivileged Black children. Dorothy teaches us to raise independent daughters by modelling feminism, not just talking about it; to demand respect in every relationship; to show our children what healthy love looks like; and to always have the means to leave if a relationship no longer works. Zinzi also reflects on grief, writing, the realities of apartheid, and the deep connection between teaching and mothering. To learn more about Zinzi and her work, visit her website here . Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…" newsletter here . To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net For more about "Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net Connect with Ana on social media: https://www.instagram.com/anatajder/ https://www.facebook.com/ana.tajder

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