As an author of numerous works of poetry and prose, Angelou continued until the hour of her passing to move us with her words and in so many other ways—as a singer, dancer, actor, activist, teacher, sage and much more. It is widely known that she did not speak for several years following a tragic childhood rape that resulted in the murder of her rapist. But, instead of remaining closed and silent, Angelou spread her wings, found her voice and soared into the hearts, minds and souls of millions of people around the world.
In a lifetime arising out of hard times, there was almost nothing she couldn’t do or didn’t try. Her official website, mayaangelou.com, recounts that, “As a young single mother, she supported her son by working as a waitress and cook…” In the 1940s, she became the first Black woman streetcar conductor in San Francisco. She even once worked as an auto body shop paint remover. She was also an accomplished dancer and singer. She has written a Pulitzer Prize nominated screenplay, “Georgia, Georgia,” and was nominated for a 1973 Tony Award for her Broadway performance in “Look Away.”
She has danced with Alvin Ailey, toured Europe in “Porgy and Bess” and made numerous appearances in films and on TV. Maya Angelou was a modern day Renaissance woman who lived her own philosophy, “Pursue the things you love doing and do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.”
She left us with a final wish. On May 23, five days before her death, she tweeted, “Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.” We will miss her incredible creative and generous spirit. But the love and vision of Maya Angelou will continue to rise. It is up to all of us to make sure that we continue to rise with her.
(Marc Morial, is president of the National Urban League.)
About Post Author
