RIP Maya Angelou - Famous Novelist, Actress and Civil Rights Activist - Age 86

Maya Angelou died at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Wednesday, May 27, 2014. Marguerite (nee) was born on April 7, 1928 in St. Louis. The 86-year-old was a novelist, actress, professor, singer, dancer and activist. In 2010, President Barack Obama presented her the Medal of Freedom, which is the country's highest civilian honor. Angelou's most famous book was "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." This memoir shows the violence of the racist South. Here the life of Marguerite Ann Johnson (Angelou's real name) is portrayed. She was abandoned by her parents and raped by her mother's boyfriend at the age of 7. Angelou was homeless and became a teen mother. In six other autobiographical books she also wrote, Angelou revealed the many interests and careers of her life.  In 1957, she recorded her first album, "Miss Calypso."  Angelou was a member of the Harlem Writers Guild in New York. She played a queen in "The Blacks," the production by Jean Genet. She was referred to as Dr. Angelou, but never went to University. Angelou received more than 30 honorary degrees and taught American studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. She had a great influence in civil rights and racial discrimination. Angelou spoke six languages and worked as a newspaper editor in Egypt and Ghana.  In CNN interview, Angelou said, "Go to your church or your synagogue or your mosque, and say, 'I'd like to be of service. I have one hour twice a month.' "You'll be surprised at how much better you will feel," she said. "And good done anywhere is good done everywhere." Her work on Broadway has been nominated for Tony Awards. PLEASE PRAY for her SOUL....

Comments