Dr. Angelou has always been my hero. Her words spoke wisdom, strength, life, and courage to me throughout my life. One of my favorite quotes from her was found in the 2003 Essence Magazine Special Collector’s Edition.
“Live a fulfilling life. Give yourself time just to be with yourself. Don’t always try to work out problems when you’re alone. Relax. Go for walks. Listen to kids laugh. Breathe deeply and think more profoundly.”
Today, we lost a beautiful soul, a nurturing story-teller, a sage poet, and a profound speaker. Thank you for all you said; thank you for all you shared.
Rosemarie B
You changed my life the moment I heard you speak at the inaguration.
It was the sound of your voice and the eloquence of your writing.
It was the truth in your words.
You changed how I saw the world.
Thank you.
Thavolia Alice Hodges, PhD
The world is much better because of your time here. Take your rest…for a life well lived.
Cynthia
My Dearest Dr. Angelou,
Thank you for sharing your experiences and letting me know that as a young girl being molested – that I was not alone.
At the age of 14 (in 1969), your story “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, exposed my secret and gave me a voice that I didn’t know I had. It brought me from darkness to light. Sadly, I truly wanted to meet you and I even have your personal address, but I respected your right to privacy too much to use it or make it public. I only wish I had chosen to write you this note that I’m writing now, a long time ago.
I’ve read every one of your books and have your autograph in an original copy of “Caged Bird”, which I treasure. Thank you so-so much.
My faith, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, has me looking forward to seeing you again, here on earth, in the resurrection (John 5:28,29) and meeting your personally as I recite to you “And Still I Rise” and sing you a song. I want to cook you a meal – even though I don’t cook! I want to meet your grandmother and your brother Bailey. I want us to take a trip together, your choice!
So although I am sad at your going to sleep in death… this is not goodbye, but a… so long for now.
Love You Forever,
Dr. Edwin L. Booth, Jr ’77
Our Freshman orientation assignment book in 1973 was “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.” Of all my textbooks that were bought back for about seventy five cents, I still have it and my P-Chem book. I thank Wake Forest for having the insight to introduce us to Dr. Angelou.
Jennifer T. Foley
Dr. Maya Angelou, I wish I had known you, cooked in your kitchen, danced in your living room, shared a conversation, learned from your teachings. These things you leave behind in your recipes, your music, your words, your poems and I am grateful to know you after all. Thank you for being an inspiration to me. I’m confident there’s a party in heaven tonight. Peace and love to your son, family, friends and colleagues. Most sincerely.
George F. Washington
May the many whom you have inspired
In your teachings along the way
Just take a moment – that’s all that’s required
To reflect on your profound life today
That inspiration tends to run so deep
It touches the core of our enlightened souls
The cemented memories in our hearts we keep
As we remember a great one whom the world did behold!
Rest in Peace Dr. Maya Angelou (GFW)
Ryan Simmons
Today the world lost another great one. Maya Angelou’s poetry inspired the world. She will always have a special place in my heart as she was a member of the Wake Forest community and she honed her skills in a place that will always be my home, Harlem, as a member of the Harlem Writer’s Guild. Through her poetry and words of wisdom, Maya will live forever. Let Maya Angelou’s astounding legacy inspire us all to be great as individuals, let her words inspire us all to be courageous. Most importantly, let Maya’s legacy inspire us all to make good use of the time GOD gives us on earth. Maya certainly did….. Rest in Paradise Angel… Job well done!
Harlem Hopscotch by Maya Angelou
One foot down, then hop! It’s hot.
Good things for the ones that’s got.
Another jump, now to the left.
Everybody for himself.
In the air, now both feet down.
Since you black, don’t stick around.
Food is gone, the rent is due,
Curse and cry and then jump two.
All the people out of work,
Hold for three, then twist and jerk.
Cross the line, they count you out.
That’s what hopping’s all about.
Both feet flat, the game is done.
They think I lost, I think I won.
Carolyn Chamblee-Moore
Dr. Maya Angelou was an inspiration to me and so many others women of color. She was a woman of beautiful poise and grace. When she spoke it was like being hypnotized and place in a trance. I will miss her deeply. Her words of wisdom will forever be embedded in my mind and soul. She is a legend.
Tycely Williams ’97
SHE, Dr. Angelou, THE phenomenal woman drew ME to Wake Forest University. For two years she freely and lovingly deposited wisdom within me & countless WFU students. She hosted us in her home and always punctuated the affair with food for the soul and the belly! One semester, she gifted each of us a leather briefcase with our full name etched in gold script. I remember her saying, “I want you to go into the world feeling like somebody, I want you to go into the world with your heads high, but your hearts higher. Remember, you have a name.
Every human being has a name. Never forget to respect others, just as I have respected you.” I never forgot any of the lessons she taught me. So many memories; so little space. She eternally anchored in my heart JOY & COURAGE–she would say, “Ms. Williams hold claim to joy & courage–never ever release them.” I last saw her in DC when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Nestled within that momomentous occasion was immense and inflatable joy. She showered her former students with attention and affection; delighted to learn we were sharing the moment with her. It was marvelous! -Ed Wilson can more eloquently affirm. For me, “I love you too”, was even more marvelous. Those were the last words spoken to me by my favorite WFU professor. #priceless
Dr. Jeanne Matthews Sommer
Her writings were the ones to inspire me most in grad school in a course on Women’s autobiography. At a vulnerable time in my life, she taught me that it’s possible to invent oneself anew, to create the self, to take the raw, unshaped matter of the parts of our past that threaten to cripple us and turn that very stuff into the source of a new life. I will always be grateful for her life.
Richard Fallis
As we grieve the loss of Dr. Angelou today, one of the truly life-changing teachers, I am grateful for Elizabeth Phillips and Ed Wilson who helped bring her to Wake Forest. As teachers in the 1960’s, they changed my life as Dr. Angelou changed the lives of many Wake Foresters later. The circles of blessing grow ever outward.
J. Edward Neal, III
Where there’s darkness our eyes are closed, no one will hear a scream,
Where there’s light our eyes are opened, the sound of a voice will be heard,
We must look beyond which is in front of us, and only then will we experience the brightness of the sun.
R.I.P. Dr. Maya Angelou
Brenda Johnson
Thank you to my great teachers Elizabeth Phillips, Tom Mullen, and Ed Wilson for their important part in bringing the great teacher Maya Angelou to Wake Forest. Even though it was after I graduated, I could be proud and enjoy hearing how much the students appreciated her.
MTH
I did not know Maya Angelou, but I did have the pleasure to hear her speak both as a student and an employee of Wake Forest University. Each time was a true blessing as the genuineness of her words (and often melodies of her songs) stood so often in contrast to the stiff addresses and formulaic arguments so many bring forth in media and on the stage. Her conversation with Hillary Clinton will always be one of the best conversations I have heard. That she blessed so many people through her beautiful writing and spoken words is without doubt, but it was the clarity and beauty of her soul which shone through her speech which will always encourage me to speak truth. Thank you for your years of joy.
Power, presence, and passion. Thank you for sharing your life with the world.
Charles Rock Pringle
Thank you Dr. Angelou for opening my eyes and my ears to the glory and majesty of the human experience. I will remember you, your teachings, your wisdom, and your faith in all of us. Thank you for letting me sing to you and to your mother. Thank you for the wonderful meals. Thank you for opening your home and your heart. Thank you for everything.
Theresa Watkind
Our hearts are saddened in the demise of Dr. Maya Angelou. This phenomenal woman of God now safely rest in the arms of Jesus. We will continue to pray for her son and family during this hour of bereavement. Remember the words of our Lord, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. Cast your cares upon Him for He loves and He cares” for you. Gone but not forgotten I will forever share her legacy and words of wisdom and encouragement to generations to come.
Agape and In His Service,
Minister Theresa Watkins & Family
Kathy Moore
What a wonderful gift you were!! Words can not explain the ways in which you inspired, and fed my soul. Your work here is finished indeed but your spirit lives always in every little girl that grows into a strong woman. God Bless the family. My prayers and condolences.
Dr. Angelou has always been my hero. Her words spoke wisdom, strength, life, and courage to me throughout my life. One of my favorite quotes from her was found in the 2003 Essence Magazine Special Collector’s Edition.
“Live a fulfilling life. Give yourself time just to be with yourself. Don’t always try to work out problems when you’re alone. Relax. Go for walks. Listen to kids laugh. Breathe deeply and think more profoundly.”
Today, we lost a beautiful soul, a nurturing story-teller, a sage poet, and a profound speaker. Thank you for all you said; thank you for all you shared.
You changed my life the moment I heard you speak at the inaguration.
It was the sound of your voice and the eloquence of your writing.
It was the truth in your words.
You changed how I saw the world.
Thank you.
The world is much better because of your time here. Take your rest…for a life well lived.
My Dearest Dr. Angelou,
Thank you for sharing your experiences and letting me know that as a young girl being molested – that I was not alone.
At the age of 14 (in 1969), your story “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, exposed my secret and gave me a voice that I didn’t know I had. It brought me from darkness to light. Sadly, I truly wanted to meet you and I even have your personal address, but I respected your right to privacy too much to use it or make it public. I only wish I had chosen to write you this note that I’m writing now, a long time ago.
I’ve read every one of your books and have your autograph in an original copy of “Caged Bird”, which I treasure. Thank you so-so much.
My faith, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, has me looking forward to seeing you again, here on earth, in the resurrection (John 5:28,29) and meeting your personally as I recite to you “And Still I Rise” and sing you a song. I want to cook you a meal – even though I don’t cook! I want to meet your grandmother and your brother Bailey. I want us to take a trip together, your choice!
So although I am sad at your going to sleep in death… this is not goodbye, but a… so long for now.
Love You Forever,
Our Freshman orientation assignment book in 1973 was “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.” Of all my textbooks that were bought back for about seventy five cents, I still have it and my P-Chem book. I thank Wake Forest for having the insight to introduce us to Dr. Angelou.
Dr. Maya Angelou, I wish I had known you, cooked in your kitchen, danced in your living room, shared a conversation, learned from your teachings. These things you leave behind in your recipes, your music, your words, your poems and I am grateful to know you after all. Thank you for being an inspiration to me. I’m confident there’s a party in heaven tonight. Peace and love to your son, family, friends and colleagues. Most sincerely.
May the many whom you have inspired
In your teachings along the way
Just take a moment – that’s all that’s required
To reflect on your profound life today
That inspiration tends to run so deep
It touches the core of our enlightened souls
The cemented memories in our hearts we keep
As we remember a great one whom the world did behold!
Rest in Peace Dr. Maya Angelou (GFW)
Today the world lost another great one. Maya Angelou’s poetry inspired the world. She will always have a special place in my heart as she was a member of the Wake Forest community and she honed her skills in a place that will always be my home, Harlem, as a member of the Harlem Writer’s Guild. Through her poetry and words of wisdom, Maya will live forever. Let Maya Angelou’s astounding legacy inspire us all to be great as individuals, let her words inspire us all to be courageous. Most importantly, let Maya’s legacy inspire us all to make good use of the time GOD gives us on earth. Maya certainly did….. Rest in Paradise Angel… Job well done!
Harlem Hopscotch by Maya Angelou
One foot down, then hop! It’s hot.
Good things for the ones that’s got.
Another jump, now to the left.
Everybody for himself.
In the air, now both feet down.
Since you black, don’t stick around.
Food is gone, the rent is due,
Curse and cry and then jump two.
All the people out of work,
Hold for three, then twist and jerk.
Cross the line, they count you out.
That’s what hopping’s all about.
Both feet flat, the game is done.
They think I lost, I think I won.
Dr. Maya Angelou was an inspiration to me and so many others women of color. She was a woman of beautiful poise and grace. When she spoke it was like being hypnotized and place in a trance. I will miss her deeply. Her words of wisdom will forever be embedded in my mind and soul. She is a legend.
SHE, Dr. Angelou, THE phenomenal woman drew ME to Wake Forest University. For two years she freely and lovingly deposited wisdom within me & countless WFU students. She hosted us in her home and always punctuated the affair with food for the soul and the belly! One semester, she gifted each of us a leather briefcase with our full name etched in gold script. I remember her saying, “I want you to go into the world feeling like somebody, I want you to go into the world with your heads high, but your hearts higher. Remember, you have a name.
Every human being has a name. Never forget to respect others, just as I have respected you.” I never forgot any of the lessons she taught me. So many memories; so little space. She eternally anchored in my heart JOY & COURAGE–she would say, “Ms. Williams hold claim to joy & courage–never ever release them.” I last saw her in DC when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Nestled within that momomentous occasion was immense and inflatable joy. She showered her former students with attention and affection; delighted to learn we were sharing the moment with her. It was marvelous! -Ed Wilson can more eloquently affirm. For me, “I love you too”, was even more marvelous. Those were the last words spoken to me by my favorite WFU professor. #priceless
Her writings were the ones to inspire me most in grad school in a course on Women’s autobiography. At a vulnerable time in my life, she taught me that it’s possible to invent oneself anew, to create the self, to take the raw, unshaped matter of the parts of our past that threaten to cripple us and turn that very stuff into the source of a new life. I will always be grateful for her life.
As we grieve the loss of Dr. Angelou today, one of the truly life-changing teachers, I am grateful for Elizabeth Phillips and Ed Wilson who helped bring her to Wake Forest. As teachers in the 1960’s, they changed my life as Dr. Angelou changed the lives of many Wake Foresters later. The circles of blessing grow ever outward.
Where there’s darkness our eyes are closed, no one will hear a scream,
Where there’s light our eyes are opened, the sound of a voice will be heard,
We must look beyond which is in front of us, and only then will we experience the brightness of the sun.
R.I.P. Dr. Maya Angelou
Thank you to my great teachers Elizabeth Phillips, Tom Mullen, and Ed Wilson for their important part in bringing the great teacher Maya Angelou to Wake Forest. Even though it was after I graduated, I could be proud and enjoy hearing how much the students appreciated her.
I did not know Maya Angelou, but I did have the pleasure to hear her speak both as a student and an employee of Wake Forest University. Each time was a true blessing as the genuineness of her words (and often melodies of her songs) stood so often in contrast to the stiff addresses and formulaic arguments so many bring forth in media and on the stage. Her conversation with Hillary Clinton will always be one of the best conversations I have heard. That she blessed so many people through her beautiful writing and spoken words is without doubt, but it was the clarity and beauty of her soul which shone through her speech which will always encourage me to speak truth. Thank you for your years of joy.
Our Deac, Emilie Waché, ’17, had the good fortune of hearing Maya Angelou speak at Wake Forest University last fall. My favorite quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou
Power, presence, and passion. Thank you for sharing your life with the world.
Thank you Dr. Angelou for opening my eyes and my ears to the glory and majesty of the human experience. I will remember you, your teachings, your wisdom, and your faith in all of us. Thank you for letting me sing to you and to your mother. Thank you for the wonderful meals. Thank you for opening your home and your heart. Thank you for everything.
Our hearts are saddened in the demise of Dr. Maya Angelou. This phenomenal woman of God now safely rest in the arms of Jesus. We will continue to pray for her son and family during this hour of bereavement. Remember the words of our Lord, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. Cast your cares upon Him for He loves and He cares” for you. Gone but not forgotten I will forever share her legacy and words of wisdom and encouragement to generations to come.
Agape and In His Service,
Minister Theresa Watkins & Family
What a wonderful gift you were!! Words can not explain the ways in which you inspired, and fed my soul. Your work here is finished indeed but your spirit lives always in every little girl that grows into a strong woman. God Bless the family. My prayers and condolences.