My sincerest condolences to the students,faculty, and staff
of Wake Forrest University on the loss of
the most distinguished poet, author, human rights activist …and national treasure,
Dr. Maya Angelou. Through her work I found the courage to write,
to examine my childhood, to better understand my family history, and
courageously claim my place in the world.
Thank you Dr. Maya Angelou – I will miss your words of wisdom.
Naomi Nelson
Art Historian, Museologist, Poet
President, American Women’s Heritage Society and
Underground Railroad Museum at Historic Belmont Mansion
P. Graham
GOD PUT A RAINBOW IN THE SKY..
BLESS YOUR FAMILY…
Margaret Scarborough
To Maya Angelou’s family, my sincerest condolences. Her presence will always be with us. She was a mighty force for good! I finished reading her book, “Mom & Me & Mom” this past year. It helped me understand her so much better. To her son, Guy Johnson, I empathize with your feelings now. I too lost my mother when she was 86. It does not matter what age a mother is when they die, it just matters that they are physically no long there to call on the phone or write a note to. So, to Guy, please take care of yourself. Your mom is still looking at you and she’ll always be a part of you.
Margaret Scarborough
Lifelong NC Resident, Former Public School Teacher
Chapel Hill, NC
Barbara Womack
Dr. Martin Luther Kings said, “free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we are free at last,” and Nina Simone sang, “I wish I knew how it would feel to be free,” yet, I did not know how freedom felt until I read “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Thank you Dr. Maya!!!!!
Paula Pinkett
Maya always felt like Maya, not Dr. Angelou. As a young black woman, living and working in a white world, she made me believe I was equal to anyone and any task I wanted to embrace.
She was a gift to all of us, sadly only on loan.
DB
Dr. Maya Angelou was one of the reasons I fell in love with writing. Her words have been a source of comfort and soul cleansing when needed. I had the pleasure of meeting her several times when I lived in Winston-Salem and every time she was always the same. She couldn’t remember my name, but she remembered my face and always called me ‘Sister’.
My ‘Sister’ has gone home and things are about to get literary up there!
Condolences to her family.
Phyllis A.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Maya Angelou. The world has experienced a great loss, and personally, she inspired me to write:
Dr. Angelou was a mother, educator, social activist and a fighter for African Liberation
May she Rest in Peace, Her Day is Done
Ekow Panyin
To My African Sister Maya,
I first heard of your passing on a Gospel Radio station this morning to join the pantheon of our African Warrior Ancestors. King Shaka Zulu, Hon. Marcus Garvey, Sojourner Truth, Dr. Dubois, Osagyefo Nkrumah, Haile Salassie, Malcom X, Dr.ML King, Kwame Ture, Corretta
King, Bob Marley, Paul Robeson Hugo Chavez and many others would receive your company for a life well lived for Africa and Africans freedom. We met on several occasions -the National Black Arts Festival, National Black Theater Festival, “Tea With Maya” at NC State
and the Million men March. The years in Egypt, Liberia and Ghana deepened your commitment to African Liberation Struggle; you provided for the youth generation to fulfill that historic mission. May the African Ancestors welcome your soul as a fine brave warrior!
Due, due, due!!
Artina Dawkins
I would like to offer my condolences to Dr. Maya Angelou’s family and friends. I have such admiration for Dr. Angelou’s life and writings! Both have been an inspiration to me. She showed us that with God anything is possible. Thank you, Dr. Angelou!
Dr. Keith Magee
Well done good and faith servant, Dr. Angelou, well done.
Lynn Sutton
We moved to Winston-Salem in 2004 and saw her in person at Bookmarks that September where she read “Still I Rise.” I thought right then, and many times since, she has the voice of God.
J. L. Noble
You touched the hearts, minds, and souls of so many people around the world.
You took the darkness of hate and struggle and turned them into love.
You took the broken mind-sets of man and changed them to bright colors of a rainbow.
Then you quietly slipped away in peace where eternal love, joy and happiness brightly glow.
Thank you Dr. Maya Angelou ….
Amika Micou
Picture a shy nerdy young girl with sweaty palms and shaky hands being forced to perform for her schools talent show. My mom suggested that I recite Maya Angelou’s ‘Still I Rise’. By the time I left the stage I was full of confidence and pride and received my first and only standing ovation. I have loved her writing and found my story in her stories and poetry from that moment until now.
Amika Micou
South Bend, Indiana
Velma
Sister Maya was an inspiration to the world , an icon that had filled our lives with joy your precious memories will be with us forever more – my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Ms. Angelou.
Velma
Toronto Ontario
Canada
Sheikh Umarr Kamarah
Maya Angelou may have passed away, but her Humanity is immortalized in her Art. This venerable bard touched the souls of All God’s Children. A poem I wrote for her about a decade ago, will serve as my tribute to one of the most inspirational geniuses of our time:
On The Maya Angelou Art (For Maya Angelou)
I met her on the pages
Along the corridors of Literature
Liberature?
A Wordsmith
smelting images of Love
weaving nests of Hope
crafting lessons of Life
from the strands of diction
this “six-foot, black, and female”
a reservoir of resilience
Maya Angelou.
Art of Courage !
the lines, sinews of Valour
the stanzas, diaphragms of Courage
words, cut
sentences, broken
pronouns, marginalized,
All, STILL RISE
Against the backdrop of the page
And the Bard sings on…
Art of Freedom !
from the luminous ceiling
of her pages
hangs a Cage
with a singer in it
melodies for the soul
sweet notes that inspire
spring from the vents of the Cage
songs of freedom
psychic freedom
for All of God’s children.
The Bard sings on…
Art of self-discovery
on the wings of Her-story
the reader, a pair of shoes
travels to Self
and to the world.
Memorable images:
An African airport
A white hand reaches for a black hand
Both Americans!
Art of Love!
for us, “who dare not dare,”
the singer sings:
embrace your own
“humanity which I am,” so that
“you will learn the words of Love.”
Humankind, why don’t you sing?
Sheikh Umarr Kamarah
(From Singing in Exile)
Cindy Cherry-Graham
Dr. Maya Angelou is one of the most influential human beings of all time. I make that statement as profoundly as she lived her life. This phenom of a woman left her mark on me when I was a young girl reading what is to be called her greatest literary work, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”. This book changed my life. It was upon reading this book that I knew my love for words would carry me far in life. I began to try and quench a thirst for words and knowledge that seemed to never end. This grand lady would later in my life come to be the subject of my English term paper. While writing this paper God would allow our paths to cross. Yes, I was blessed to not only meet Dr. Angelou but to have a conversation with her! That is a day that I will never forget. She made such an impact on me with her grand statuesque form. This woman wore a simple long black velvet gown that seemed to flow with her spirit without effort. It was as if the garment itself knew that it was an honor to drape her body…it was no longer just a simple gown it’s owner had made it a wonderful force that indeed added to her presence. Ms. Angelou recited her poem “Phenomenal Woman” during her appearance. I sat in awe of this creature that God had lent our world to enjoy and to learn from. Not only did I glean from her I kept how she made me feel to be a phenomenal black woman in that very moment.
I was deeply saddened when I heard of Dr. Angelou’s passing. I know that there is no longer breath in her physical body. Oh but her spirit will always be with us. Everyone that got the chance to meet her, whether it was in person or in one of her books. We will never ever forget this grand woman who stood tall for her race and for humanity.
My youngest daughter bears the Maya Angelique’. I named her after Dr. Angelou. She knows that name carries with it an honor. An honor that I have always prayed that my child would have a few of the characteristics of her namesake. I am pleased to announce that my daughter is an honor student. She loves to read and write…yes she loves to write stories and poems.
Dr. Maya Angelou rest in the peace of your wonderful, awesome, blessed Creator!
Respectfully,
Mrs. Cindy Cherry-Graham
PS:
I received an “A” on my term paper on Dr. Angelou! Having a chance to meet her and having her to sign my title page may have helped with my grade just a bit!
Tony he’s
Today I rise and resolve my doubts to overcome my fears. I have been lied to, and I have been held down. Dr. Maya Angelou words spoke to me– to be brave and to move ever so closer to the true essence of my being. Her words, if she was here with me now, would say that I should love the life I live and live the life I love because it’s to live that gives meaning to my life.It was her life that gave me life. And it’s her love that makes me love.
In the dark,I was once afraid but now I am more afraid as I walked into the light. The light overtakes darkness and I am more afraid from what I can see.
I am free in my thoughts. I am free as I overcome my fears. I am moving ever so closer to the man I will be because I am free.
Dr. Angelou has inspired me, and she has motivated me to reach within myself and to pull out what I am – not to be afraid, but to accept what I am and shine as bright as the sun. I Thank you Dr. Angelou.
May your soul rest in peace. Tony Hayes – Toronto Ontario,Canada
Carolyn A. Highsmith
Thank you for all of your many gifts of poetic words and thoughts that you’ve given all of us over these many years. Your Spirit will remain eternal.
Hailey White
Dr. Maya Angelou,
I say this with the deepest form of respect I have ever said to anyone, living or passed..Thank you so much for doing what you did. Thank you for being such an amazing author. “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” is my all time favorite. Thank you for literally having the most poetic voice and the most poetic way with words. You emulate such dignity and courage, and I respect you in the most sincere way. You truly were outstanding and you are one of the few who can say they’ve really won at life. I hope one day to have the essence and wisdom you had.
Professor Brown, from my Craven Community College public speaking class, was headed over to see you the morning you passed. He had a book with him he was going to have you sign for me…man oh man if I had gotten that signature…it would’ve been more than a signature…it would’ve meant so much to me..you mean the world to me, Ms.Angelou and I wish I would have gotten to meet you in person. You are truly the most inspirational woman there was. You lived a great life. Thank you for showing me what I should do with mine. Thank you for showing me how to live and love to your fullest potential and to always be brave.
I wish I could go on and on…but I’ll end this with an I love you. I never met you in person or had a single conversation with you but I have so much love for you and your family. Well done ma’am.
My sincerest condolences to the students,faculty, and staff
of Wake Forrest University on the loss of
the most distinguished poet, author, human rights activist …and national treasure,
Dr. Maya Angelou. Through her work I found the courage to write,
to examine my childhood, to better understand my family history, and
courageously claim my place in the world.
Thank you Dr. Maya Angelou – I will miss your words of wisdom.
Naomi Nelson
Art Historian, Museologist, Poet
President, American Women’s Heritage Society and
Underground Railroad Museum at Historic Belmont Mansion
GOD PUT A RAINBOW IN THE SKY..
BLESS YOUR FAMILY…
To Maya Angelou’s family, my sincerest condolences. Her presence will always be with us. She was a mighty force for good! I finished reading her book, “Mom & Me & Mom” this past year. It helped me understand her so much better. To her son, Guy Johnson, I empathize with your feelings now. I too lost my mother when she was 86. It does not matter what age a mother is when they die, it just matters that they are physically no long there to call on the phone or write a note to. So, to Guy, please take care of yourself. Your mom is still looking at you and she’ll always be a part of you.
Margaret Scarborough
Lifelong NC Resident, Former Public School Teacher
Chapel Hill, NC
Dr. Martin Luther Kings said, “free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we are free at last,” and Nina Simone sang, “I wish I knew how it would feel to be free,” yet, I did not know how freedom felt until I read “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Thank you Dr. Maya!!!!!
Maya always felt like Maya, not Dr. Angelou. As a young black woman, living and working in a white world, she made me believe I was equal to anyone and any task I wanted to embrace.
She was a gift to all of us, sadly only on loan.
Dr. Maya Angelou was one of the reasons I fell in love with writing. Her words have been a source of comfort and soul cleansing when needed. I had the pleasure of meeting her several times when I lived in Winston-Salem and every time she was always the same. She couldn’t remember my name, but she remembered my face and always called me ‘Sister’.
My ‘Sister’ has gone home and things are about to get literary up there!
Condolences to her family.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Maya Angelou. The world has experienced a great loss, and personally, she inspired me to write:
https://phyllislsmithasinyanbi.wordpress.com/2014/05/31/maya-angelou-1928-2014-a-writer-a-wonder-and-an-inspiration/
There is virtually no greater gift.
Dr. Angelou was a mother, educator, social activist and a fighter for African Liberation
May she Rest in Peace, Her Day is Done
To My African Sister Maya,
I first heard of your passing on a Gospel Radio station this morning to join the pantheon of our African Warrior Ancestors. King Shaka Zulu, Hon. Marcus Garvey, Sojourner Truth, Dr. Dubois, Osagyefo Nkrumah, Haile Salassie, Malcom X, Dr.ML King, Kwame Ture, Corretta
King, Bob Marley, Paul Robeson Hugo Chavez and many others would receive your company for a life well lived for Africa and Africans freedom. We met on several occasions -the National Black Arts Festival, National Black Theater Festival, “Tea With Maya” at NC State
and the Million men March. The years in Egypt, Liberia and Ghana deepened your commitment to African Liberation Struggle; you provided for the youth generation to fulfill that historic mission. May the African Ancestors welcome your soul as a fine brave warrior!
Due, due, due!!
I would like to offer my condolences to Dr. Maya Angelou’s family and friends. I have such admiration for Dr. Angelou’s life and writings! Both have been an inspiration to me. She showed us that with God anything is possible. Thank you, Dr. Angelou!
Well done good and faith servant, Dr. Angelou, well done.
We moved to Winston-Salem in 2004 and saw her in person at Bookmarks that September where she read “Still I Rise.” I thought right then, and many times since, she has the voice of God.
You touched the hearts, minds, and souls of so many people around the world.
You took the darkness of hate and struggle and turned them into love.
You took the broken mind-sets of man and changed them to bright colors of a rainbow.
Then you quietly slipped away in peace where eternal love, joy and happiness brightly glow.
Thank you Dr. Maya Angelou ….
Picture a shy nerdy young girl with sweaty palms and shaky hands being forced to perform for her schools talent show. My mom suggested that I recite Maya Angelou’s ‘Still I Rise’. By the time I left the stage I was full of confidence and pride and received my first and only standing ovation. I have loved her writing and found my story in her stories and poetry from that moment until now.
Amika Micou
South Bend, Indiana
Sister Maya was an inspiration to the world , an icon that had filled our lives with joy your precious memories will be with us forever more – my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Ms. Angelou.
Velma
Toronto Ontario
Canada
Maya Angelou may have passed away, but her Humanity is immortalized in her Art. This venerable bard touched the souls of All God’s Children. A poem I wrote for her about a decade ago, will serve as my tribute to one of the most inspirational geniuses of our time:
On The Maya Angelou Art (For Maya Angelou)
I met her on the pages
Along the corridors of Literature
Liberature?
A Wordsmith
smelting images of Love
weaving nests of Hope
crafting lessons of Life
from the strands of diction
this “six-foot, black, and female”
a reservoir of resilience
Maya Angelou.
Art of Courage !
the lines, sinews of Valour
the stanzas, diaphragms of Courage
words, cut
sentences, broken
pronouns, marginalized,
All, STILL RISE
Against the backdrop of the page
And the Bard sings on…
Art of Freedom !
from the luminous ceiling
of her pages
hangs a Cage
with a singer in it
melodies for the soul
sweet notes that inspire
spring from the vents of the Cage
songs of freedom
psychic freedom
for All of God’s children.
The Bard sings on…
Art of self-discovery
on the wings of Her-story
the reader, a pair of shoes
travels to Self
and to the world.
Memorable images:
An African airport
A white hand reaches for a black hand
Both Americans!
Art of Love!
for us, “who dare not dare,”
the singer sings:
embrace your own
“humanity which I am,” so that
“you will learn the words of Love.”
Humankind, why don’t you sing?
Sheikh Umarr Kamarah
(From Singing in Exile)
Dr. Maya Angelou is one of the most influential human beings of all time. I make that statement as profoundly as she lived her life. This phenom of a woman left her mark on me when I was a young girl reading what is to be called her greatest literary work, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”. This book changed my life. It was upon reading this book that I knew my love for words would carry me far in life. I began to try and quench a thirst for words and knowledge that seemed to never end. This grand lady would later in my life come to be the subject of my English term paper. While writing this paper God would allow our paths to cross. Yes, I was blessed to not only meet Dr. Angelou but to have a conversation with her! That is a day that I will never forget. She made such an impact on me with her grand statuesque form. This woman wore a simple long black velvet gown that seemed to flow with her spirit without effort. It was as if the garment itself knew that it was an honor to drape her body…it was no longer just a simple gown it’s owner had made it a wonderful force that indeed added to her presence. Ms. Angelou recited her poem “Phenomenal Woman” during her appearance. I sat in awe of this creature that God had lent our world to enjoy and to learn from. Not only did I glean from her I kept how she made me feel to be a phenomenal black woman in that very moment.
I was deeply saddened when I heard of Dr. Angelou’s passing. I know that there is no longer breath in her physical body. Oh but her spirit will always be with us. Everyone that got the chance to meet her, whether it was in person or in one of her books. We will never ever forget this grand woman who stood tall for her race and for humanity.
My youngest daughter bears the Maya Angelique’. I named her after Dr. Angelou. She knows that name carries with it an honor. An honor that I have always prayed that my child would have a few of the characteristics of her namesake. I am pleased to announce that my daughter is an honor student. She loves to read and write…yes she loves to write stories and poems.
Dr. Maya Angelou rest in the peace of your wonderful, awesome, blessed Creator!
Respectfully,
Mrs. Cindy Cherry-Graham
PS:
I received an “A” on my term paper on Dr. Angelou! Having a chance to meet her and having her to sign my title page may have helped with my grade just a bit!
Today I rise and resolve my doubts to overcome my fears. I have been lied to, and I have been held down. Dr. Maya Angelou words spoke to me– to be brave and to move ever so closer to the true essence of my being. Her words, if she was here with me now, would say that I should love the life I live and live the life I love because it’s to live that gives meaning to my life.It was her life that gave me life. And it’s her love that makes me love.
In the dark,I was once afraid but now I am more afraid as I walked into the light. The light overtakes darkness and I am more afraid from what I can see.
I am free in my thoughts. I am free as I overcome my fears. I am moving ever so closer to the man I will be because I am free.
Dr. Angelou has inspired me, and she has motivated me to reach within myself and to pull out what I am – not to be afraid, but to accept what I am and shine as bright as the sun. I Thank you Dr. Angelou.
May your soul rest in peace. Tony Hayes – Toronto Ontario,Canada
Thank you for all of your many gifts of poetic words and thoughts that you’ve given all of us over these many years. Your Spirit will remain eternal.
Dr. Maya Angelou,
I say this with the deepest form of respect I have ever said to anyone, living or passed..Thank you so much for doing what you did. Thank you for being such an amazing author. “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” is my all time favorite. Thank you for literally having the most poetic voice and the most poetic way with words. You emulate such dignity and courage, and I respect you in the most sincere way. You truly were outstanding and you are one of the few who can say they’ve really won at life. I hope one day to have the essence and wisdom you had.
Professor Brown, from my Craven Community College public speaking class, was headed over to see you the morning you passed. He had a book with him he was going to have you sign for me…man oh man if I had gotten that signature…it would’ve been more than a signature…it would’ve meant so much to me..you mean the world to me, Ms.Angelou and I wish I would have gotten to meet you in person. You are truly the most inspirational woman there was. You lived a great life. Thank you for showing me what I should do with mine. Thank you for showing me how to live and love to your fullest potential and to always be brave.
I wish I could go on and on…but I’ll end this with an I love you. I never met you in person or had a single conversation with you but I have so much love for you and your family. Well done ma’am.