Here’s what those interviewed shared by way of African proverbs and their contemporary relevance. “A lion does not stop for barking dogs—it knows its strength.” Krista Folade Madzimoyo.

Regardless of its origins, the proverb does hold true to the spirit of some African cultures, say academics. "The Africanist perspective is more about community, it's more about collaboration.

“As an African proverb reminds us, “The river is swollen with rain, but no single drop claims responsibility.” We are all stewards of the progress we seek and it is only through unity that ...

Others cited the saying as Native American. Or perhaps "some sort of pseudo-African mix of Hallmark and folk sentiments." Lawrence Mbogoni, an African studies professor, wrote: "Proverb or not, 'It ...