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Diab: Highly Acclaimed Poet Maya Angelou Passes
With the passing of Maya Angelou on May 28, 2014, many believe that it would be most appropriate to imagine that this extraordinary phenomenal African American woman is now transcending high above the clouds in heaven.
Marguerite Annie Johnson better known as Maya Angelou, was born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis Missouri.
Maya Angelou’s destiny in life was not ordained to be perfect, however, her chosen path was the voice of truth to overcome the struggles of survival and to dispel all the myths and uncertainties of self existence, determination with the power of words.
I believe Maya Angelou was the pulse of women worldwide and in one of her astonishing yet well known quotes which would be recited in many literary circles and beyond, Maya was known to say, “Truth is in the voice and also in life’s small things.”
The power of words were just one of the many gifts of life she possessed. Thanks to Maya, that quote has remained stationary in all my life’s endeavors.
Maya Angelou was the pulse of the people, the global pulse of women and the cultural conduit
of life’s dreams to be fulfilled. Maya was once asked, ‘has anyone betrayed you in life?’ She responded by saying, ‘I have forgiven all who have and have chosen to never look back, only to move forward in life.’
The power of Maya’s words, interconnected cultural beliefs, and thoughts have been an inspiration of hope and the possibilities of life’s elusive dreams.
And this remarkable literary writer, poet, author, civil rights activist, and award winning essayist, can best be remembered by many for her 1969 memoir, “I know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Maya’s autobiography made literary history as the first non fiction best seller by an African American woman.
Maya’s powerful words captures the minds and hearts of American presidents. World leaders, ordinary people and women from all of the social status’s domain.
We as people with a conscience and the gifts of life, haven’t truly lost a phenomenal woman such as Maya Angelou,. To the contrary, her memorable, genuine and humanistic words of truth will continue to be heard in her distinguished voice and her written words of poetry in motion.
Personally, I will never forget the treasured moments in time when I first met Maya Angelou. First at the Democratic convention in Chicago, and then at Elmhurst College, in Illinois. She was a very gracious, inspiring and heartwarming woman who spoke to me as if I knew her forever. All she did was just smile and say to me, ‘I wish had more time to speak with you. Feel free to take as may photos of me as you like during my presentations.’
Throughout Maya Angelou’s career, she received many honors and awards as a legendary Poet, acclaimed author, activist and educator. Little did she realize that her life’s journey and the power of her words were the gifts. awards and honors to all of us on this planet.
And yes, Maya Angelou knew why the caged bird sings. She had the songs of life.
“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”
Rest in peace Maya Angelou and thank you for your legendary and phenomenal presence on this earth with the phenomenal gifts of the power of your words of wisdom for all eternity and future generations.
Leila Diab