The recent death of Maya Angelou has been a major news release by media outlets throughout the nation, as well as many around the world. Being an admirer, as well as a student of her literary work, I thought it only fitting and proper to say something about this iconic woman who was born in poverty, raped at a young age, dropped out of high school, and somehow managed by the grace of God, to rise to the pinnacle of prominence. Few people’s lives, words, and works capture the struggles, sufferings, and souls of African Americans as her’s did. Her tenacity and literary brilliance was undeniable and monumental. Born and reared in St. Louis, Missouri, she spent much of her childhood in Stamps, Arkansas. Her life is a living testimony that anyone can overcome the horrors and hindrances of poverty, racism and even abuse if they do not quit and strive hard and long enough. Maya Angelou was not only a brilliant poet and author of over 30 books, but an activist and professor as well. She had the distinction of meeting, befriending, and impacting the lives of many of the people who have helped to shape history for the past fifty years like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Barrack Obama, and of course Oprah Winfrey. At the hearing of her passing, I took the time to look at a picture of her that is encapsulated on a poster of “Still I Rise”, her most inspiring poem (in my estimation). I was moved with much honor and appreciation of this great woman who has been like a mentor, matriarch, and grandmother to all of us who has been a part of the ongoing struggle; the battle for acceptance in a nation and culture that has yet to truly and fully recognize our equality. Now I know “Why the Caged Bird Sings.” It sings yearning to be free. It sings because it was not created or designed to be in bondage. Like the robin, the sparrow, the blue jay, and the Carolina wren; the caged bird was made to fly, to frolic, and to wobble in the trees. It was made to find happiness in everything it sees. On Wednesday, the 28th of May 2014, a legendary song bird was uncaged and flew into the forest of forever where her songs and singing will continue to reverberate indefinitely. Thank you, Maya Angelou, for inspiring us to still rise, in spite of the things that have sought to hold us down. Thank you for being a role model, not only to African Americans, but to oppressed and disadvantaged people everywhere, regardless of their race, creed, or color. Your legacy and indomitable spirit shall continue to inspire us as long as there are destitute and suffering people upon the earth.
