Maya Angelou
April 4, 1928 – May 29, 2014
People all over the world are continuing to mourn the loss of one of America’s most celebrated poets, novelists and civil-rights activists, Maya Angelou who passed away yesterday at the age of 86.
Many people from all walks of life were touched by the wonderful works of Maya Angelou.
CNN highlights:
Angelou’s legacy is twofold. She leaves behind a body of important artistic work that influenced several generations. But the 86-year-old was praised by those who knew her as a good person, a woman who pushed for justice and education and equality.
In her full life, she wrote staggeringly beautiful poetry. She also wrote a cookbook and was nominated for a Tony. She delivered a poem at a presidential inauguration. In 2010, President Barack Obama named her a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor.
She was friends with Malcolm X and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and inspired young adults and world celebrities.
One of the more intimate moments highlighting Maya Angelou’s personality and spirit on film can be seen in IFC’s “Iconoclasts,” which features both Angelou and comedian Dave Chappelle sitting down for a one on one, where both stars interviewed each other ..“author vs comedian”..and discussed how poetry and comedy can bridge both genders and generations.
TheBlaze reports:
This was in 2006, when Chappelle had left $50 million and his Comedy Central show behind only the year before. The whole thing was fascinating (and really funny at times), including a lot about why Chappelle quit the show, the process of a comedian vs. and author and the power of laughter, but the key moment was when Chappelle asked Angelou about Malcolm X.
They also discussed the danger of “celebrity” and icons, in the context of the civil rights movement, but also as it relates to celebrities and icons today.
Watch The Videos Below (4 Total)
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Rest In Peace Maya Angelou.
Your name will forever be synonymous with Phenomenal and Extraordinary!
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“A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.”
~Ecclesiastes 7:1
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted… ”
~ Matthew 5:4