The world has lost a treasure. Maya Angelou, poet exraordinaire, world traveler, actress, singer, educator, warrior for justice, education and equality, has slipped the bonds of earth....
June 19, 2014 marked the day when this great lady followed the words of her poem, "Still I Rise". Her spirit lifted off to soar among the stars. She left an unprecedented legacy. Reading her memoire "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings", I can recognize truth and perseverence without having to experience the detailed struggles.
As a world traveler, Maya Walked with Kings and Queens; She dined and visited with Presidents. She was a living example that one can succeed in spite of road blocks and ditches dug to stop progress. This same determination was felt as she followed her inner soul during her civil rights activism. Two of her fellow activist were murdered, Malxolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.
Author Tayari Jones said, "All of the writers of my generation must honor the ground broken by Dr. Maya Angelou."
Paul Bailey, British Critic said."If you want to know what it's like to live at the bottom of the heap before, during and after the depression, this exceptional book will tell you. [I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings"]
I met Maya Angelou in 1999 when she spoke at Langston Uiversity, in Langston Ok. I never considered myself a groupie, but I became a groupie if poets have them. She was warm, friendly and graceous. Of the celeberities I've met, she ranks at the top of the list.
Maya, just to know your voice is stilled makes me weep. I count myself among the blessed to have been in your presence. You are the Phenomenal woman.
"You have slipped the surly bonds of earth
and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings...
You have chased the shouting winds along
You've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
where never lark nor eagles flew...
You've trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space....
and touched the face of GOD."
