Maya Angelou’s literary voice, “revered for its poetic command,” is being honored around the world today after she died peacefully in her North Carolina home at the age of 86.
Angelou was an American author and poet. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than 50 years. Her first memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her traumatic childhood, when she chose not to speak for almost six years. The book brought her international recognition and acclaim.
In a statement, her family expressed gratitude that in old age her mind never lost clarity. “She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace.”
“Never whine. Whining lets a brute know
that a victim is in the neighborhood.” -More at MayaAngelou.com
(WATCH a short memorial below, or READ the Obituary at CNN)