An American legend died.
No, we’re not talking about someone from the NBA or even the professional sports industry. However, her—yes HER, impact has crossed all sorts of socio-economic barriers—racial; gender; lower-, middle- and upper-class. Her works, as a poet and author did not just bring her critical acclaim and recognition. Her work helped inspire and mold minds.
Dr. Maya Angelou, who was born April 4, 1928, died in her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina early Wednesday. She was 86 years old.
Her works as an author and poet, which include the popular poem “Still I Rise,” have indeed earned her great honor over the course of her lifetime. Her accolades include a numerous honorary degrees, a Pulitzer Prize, a Tony nomination, three Grammy awards, the National Medal of Arts, the Lincoln Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian honor in the United States.
She was active in the Civil Rights Movement, having worked with both Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. She also had the honor of reciting her poem, “On the Pulse of Morning,” at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993.
Her impact has reached millions and inspired so many. The NBA, being as racially, socially and culturally diverse as it is, has many among its employ who have been profoundly impacted by her life and works.
My favorite poem by Maya Angelou – “Still I Rise” – read by her here – http://t.co/FyBHk66dDJ — Daryl Morey (@dmorey) May 28, 2014
You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise. — Daryl Morey (@dmorey) May 28, 2014
Rest beautifully Maya Angelou — Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) May 28, 2014
RIP Maya Angelou — nick vanexel (@vanexel31) May 28, 2014
May her soul rest in heaven http://t.co/c7pH0FWkGK — C.J. Watson (@Quietstorm_32) May 28, 2014
Poet Maya Angelou dies at 86 #OneOfAKind — Carl Landry (@CarlLandry) May 28, 2014
Had the amazing opportunity to sit down and talk to this brilliant woman. One of the reasons I did two… http://t.co/XuSXBZsrca — Al-Farouq Aminu (@farouq1) May 28, 2014
R.I.P. Maya Angelou!!! “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” #blessed — DeMarre Carroll (@DeMarreCarroll1) May 28, 2014
Thoughts and Prayers to the Family, Friends, and Fans of the Great Maya Angelou. #YouWillBeMissed — Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) May 28, 2014
#RIP Maya Angelou. Phenomenal Woman! — Greg Monroe (@M10OSE) May 28, 2014
RIP Maya Angelou Thank you for your courage, leadership, and motivation to help make this world a better place !! — Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) May 28, 2014
I’m happy to read about the soft personality whose words soften the hard hearts.She is not only American legend, but international legend as the poets have no physical boundaries.Thanks for sharing these nice information.
Proprionex