There’s some news nobody wants to wake up to, such as the passing of a loved one. Many Americans had that sinking feeling this morning as news of one of America’s most beloved public figure’s death greeted them. Maya Angelou had died at her home in North Carolina at the age of 86. The news spread fast, the outpouring of love mirroring the sadness many felt across the world. Maya Angelou was a poet, author, a civil rights activist.
USA Today notes, “She defied labels. She was a walking encylopedia of careers and passions. She wrote 36 books. She was an actress, director, playwright, composer, singer and dancer.”
Her melodious voice and profound poetry is perhaps what the African American storyteller is best known for.
Though we agree that a remarkably full life such as Maya Angelou’s cannot be described in a few words, the following brief overview captures some of the highlights:
Video
Outpouring of Love
The #NelsonMandela Foundation mourns the passing of Maya Angelou https://t.co/Simb6XhWMS #RIPMayaAngelou
— NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) May 28, 2014
Michelle and I join millions in remembering Maya Angelou, a storyteller whose voice convinced us we all have something to offer. -bo — The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 28, 2014
With Maya Angelou’s passing, America has lost a national treasure; and Hillary and I, a beloved friend. https://t.co/ZQnoHwulNb
— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) May 28, 2014
Malcolm and Maya Sparked the Exodus to Africa at the most tumultuous time for African Americans in America. #Salute pic.twitter.com/ZX4YzaRHAL
— Isaiah Washington (@IWashington) May 28, 2014
The Angels above better have their act together because Maya Angelou is on her way.. And baby those angel’s WILL be annunciating!! RIP — Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) May 28, 2014
I will miss the amazing voice of #mayaangelou. She has inspired a whole generation for her resilience, her beauty and her passion for Africa — Angelique Kidjo (@angeliquekidjo) May 28, 2014
“Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.”—Maya Angelou, a truly phenomenal woman whose words will serve to lift our souls forever.
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) May 28, 2014
We have lost a national treasure, Maya Angelou has died at 86. However her voice will live on in her books, poetry and in friends. — Monica Pearson (@MonicaWSB) May 28, 2014
At 16, #MayaAngelou became the 1st black streetcar conductor in San Fran, breaking racial barriers #FollowYourDreams pic.twitter.com/THBr8BWu4E
— Usher’s New Look (@UshersNewLook) May 28, 2014
Maya Angelou’s last tweet
Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) May 23, 2014
… and so, DUNIA Magazine lights a candle for the repose of the soul of Dr Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014) as we join the rest of the world in saying, “Adieu. Rest in peace phenomenal woman.”
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