I would like to be known as an intelligent woman, a courageous woman, a loving woman, a woman who teaches by being. It remains one of the most well-visited posts at Alphabet Soup. The honorary duty of a human being is to love.Ī few years ago, I shared “Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem,”which she wrote for the White House Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in 2005. Her words had the power to move the masses, even as they touched humble hearts. Her “public poems” redefined poetry for many, prompting the reluctant to open their minds and listen. She was only the second person in American history ever honored in this way (Robert Frost read at JFK’s inauguration in 1961). It’s no wonder she was asked to deliver an original poem ( “On the Pulse of Morning”) at President Clinton’s first inauguration in 1993. Some of her poems have indeed become anthems. How many of us have “Still I Rise” or “Phenomenal Woman” imprinted on our souls? All this, from a once mute girl, whose love of poetry, literature, and language enabled her to overcome childhood sexual trauma.
She held audiences spellbound at her readings, which many considered moral and spiritual awakenings. She was truly a master of the spoken word - her deep, melodious voice so rich with the joy and pain of vast and varied experience, hard-earned wisdom, and steadfast conviction. I can’t think of any other modern female poet with a greater gift for oral recitation. Angelou is celebrated as an icon of gender equality and social justice, a humanitarian who led by example, promoting peace, inclusion, unity, tolerance, forgiveness, empathy, compassion, and love. This year’s IWD theme is “Balance for Better.” Purple, which signifies justice and dignity, is the official IWD color. This book and her four subsequent autobiographies are among the most powerful and transformative books I’ve ever read.Įach time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly without claiming it, she stands up for all women. Her landmark autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), made her a prominent spokesperson for African Americans and set a precedent, enabling formerly marginalized black female writers to publicly discuss their personal lives. I so admire and respect Maya Angelou, a true Renaissance woman who lived many lifetimes as a poet, autobiographer, playwright, producer, director, actor, singer, dancer, editor, lecturer, civil rights activist, and fierce advocate of strong women. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.” ~ Maya Angelouīy invitation of Poetry Friday host Catherine Flynn at Reading to the Core, we are joining today’s celebration to honor notable women.