It is with great sadness that we report, legendary author Dr. Maya Angelou has died, Helen Brann, her publicist said Thursday. The renowned poet and novelist passed away in her Winston-Salem, N.C. home after suffering from health problems. She was found by her caretaker.
Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.—
Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) May 23, 2014
Statement from Dr. Maya Angelou’s Family:
Dr. Maya Angelou passed quietly in her home before 8:00 a.m. EST. Her family is extremely grateful that her ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity or comprehension. She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace. The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her and we know that she is looking down upon us with love.
–Guy B. Johnson
President Obama on Maya Angelou’s passing:
Pres. Obama on the passing of Maya Angelou: pic.twitter.com/cF67WzDLET
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) May 28, 2014
President Clinton on Maya Angelou’s passing:
Pres. Clinton: “With Maya Angelou’s passing, America has lost a national treasure; and Hillary and I, a beloved friend.” – @Liz_Kreutz — ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) May 28, 2014
Reverend Al Sharpton, President of National Action Network, released this statement:
Maya Angelou was the quintessential renaissance woman of the 20th century art and human rights movements. Not only was she a literary icon, she was one of the few that turned her words into action. Although she participated in civil rights rallies, she challenged leaders of the civil rights movement to embrace the struggles of others and a broader view of freedom fighting. She challenged misogyny in the movement and was our poet, conscience, teacher and corrector. She was one of the few people whose presence you felt in the room even if she didn’t say a word. Her spirit was incomparable.
Yolanda Adams released the following statement:
We have lost one of the most eloquent, elegant and powerful Articulators of Spoken Word and Education. Dr Maya was a mentor who taught us all how to overcome and enjoy life as GOD wants us to. If you have not, please watch her Soul Sunday with Oprah. It will change your life!! She will be missed!!
Maya Angelou’s dear friend Oprah Winfrey posted these touching words to her Instagram:
I’ve been blessed to have Maya Angelou as my mentor, mother/sister, and friend since my 20’s. She was there for me always, guiding me through some of the most important years of my life. The world knows her as a poet but at the heart of her, she was a teacher. ‘When you learn, teach. When you get, give’ is one of my best lessons from her. She won three Grammys, spoke six languages and was the second poet in history to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration. But what stands out to me most about Maya Angelou is not what she has done or written or spoken, it’s how she lived her life. She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace. I loved her and I know she loved me. I will profoundly miss her. She will always be the rainbow in my clouds.
Beyonce posted this to her Instagram:
Angelou famously spoke at Bill Clinton‘s 1993 Inauguration in Washington, D.C., reciting her poem “On the Pulse of Morning.”
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