Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Maya Angelou: An Inspirational Journey

Dr. Maya Angelou, who passed away on May 28, was more than just a writer, poet, or beloved teacher—she was a beacon of inspiration. In 2011, I had the profound honor of visiting Dr. Angelou at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The experience was one of the highlights of my life, and it is a memory I will always cherish.

An Unforgettable Encounter

I was nervous, having held Dr. Angelou in awe throughout my life. She was a pioneer, one of the first African-American women to write a raw and honest autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Her career was dedicated not only to writing but also to helping others. Through the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest University, she worked tirelessly to reduce health disparities.

My nervousness quickly dissipated as I was greeted by her warmth and generosity. Dr. Angelou immediately understood and appreciated the mission of Diversity Woman magazine. She graciously appeared on our cover during challenging times and even spoke at our annual national conference in Washington, DC. Her presence was transformative, inspiring and empowering every attendee.

A Life of Impact

Dr. Angelou’s home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is as vibrant and colorful as the woman herself. Filled with paintings, flowers, and over 5,000 books, her home reflects her expansive intellect and passion. Her knowledge spans various fields, from botany to Shakespearean sonnets. Despite her age, her intellect and passion remain undiminished.

Sitting at her kitchen table, clad in an emerald green dress that contrasted beautifully with the soft sandy-rose walls, Dr. Angelou shared a story. It was a lesson from her grandmother, Annie Henderson, who raised her in Stamps, Arkansas, during the 1930s. The story emphasized the importance of gratitude and the power of perspective, a lesson Dr. Angelou carried with her throughout her life.

A Legacy of Achievement

Dr. Angelou’s journey is marked by numerous accomplishments. Over six decades, she has been a writer, poet, singer, dancer, teacher, and leader. She worked with Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s. In 1971, she became the first black woman to have a screenplay produced as a film. In 1981, she accepted the position of Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University, a role she continued to fill.

Her achievements include reciting a poem at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993 and being inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame in 1998. She has written over 30 books and received more than 30 honorary degrees. She has been nominated for the National Book Award, the Tony, and the Pulitzer, and has won three Grammys. She was awarded the National Medal of the Arts in 2000 and the Lincoln Medal in 2008. In 2010, she was announced as one of the winners of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Overcoming Adversity

Dr. Angelou’s humble beginnings and the challenges she faced make her accomplishments even more remarkable. Raised in the South during a time of overt racism, she experienced a traumatic event as a child that led her to a five-year period of silence. Despite these hardships, she persevered, eventually becoming a single mother and supporting herself and her son through various jobs before her career took off.

Continued Contributions

Despite her extensive list of achievements, Dr. Angelou remained as busy as ever. Her first book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, remains required reading in many high school and college curriculums. In 1993, she published a collection of essays, Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now. More than 40 years after the publication of Caged Bird, her journey continued with the publication of her 31st book, Great Food, All Day Long: Cook Splendidly, Eat Smart.

Released by Random House in December 2010, Great Food, All Day Long was born out of her recent struggles with weight and health issues. The cookbook emphasizes the value of portion control and flavorful food that satisfies with small portions. In this cookbook, good health is as much a priority as good flavor.

Dr. Maya Angelou’s legacy is one of inspiration, resilience, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. She will be dearly missed, but her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.