Tribute to Maya Angelou: Connecting with her identity and Her Impact on Mankind

[African Views Information Exchange]

An Angel Goes Home

Old age is such a blessing. But what good is it exactly? Methuselah, they say had lived for thousand years. But what for? Many people around the world shares a sense of loss about the recent passing of Dr. Maya Angelou. She had been a significant influence for good in world and shall always remain a pride of the African communities worldwide because of her sense of self and and her contributions to her heritage.

Weeks before Dr. Maya Angelou's passing, Dr Ezi Mecha was was informed that she had accepted to record a video message about her work relationship with Prof. Chinua Achebe. we were extremely delighted especially since she had a strong sense of belief in her roots as a guide to the present and the future, and what it means to live a purposeful life. this belief manifested in so many ways: in her appearance, in her aura, in people's reaction to her works, which they transcend to others.

 

Looking at Dr. Maya's Angelou, what about her life and her contribution to Africa can we emulate?

 

Pharrell Williams, a brilliant and successful African American music entertainer said in his twitter feed that he is saddened by the news of Dr. Maya Angelou's passing: A brilliant woman who contributed so much to the world.”

 

Oprah Winfrey, one of the most successful African American producers of the 21 century, who most would claim is a saint and rainmaker, said this about Maya Angelou:

“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.”

Maya Angelou (1928-2014) Educator, philosopher, poet, song writer, singer, model, Actress. Her publication include Just Give Me A Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Die (1971); Oh Pray My Wings Are Going to Fit Me Well (1975); And Still I Rise (1976), which was produced as a chore-poem on Off-Broadway in 1979; and Shaker, Why Don't You Sing (1983) Poems: Maya Angelou (1986); Life Doesn't Frighten Me, illustrated by celebrated New York artist Jean Michel Basquiat (1993); On the Pulse of the Morning (1993), recited at Bill Clinton's first Presidential Inauguration; Soul Looks Back in Wonder (1994); and I Shall Not Be Moved (1997), her first book of poetry in over 10 years.

Angelou's autobiographical works have an important place in the African American tradition of personal narrative, and they continue to garner praise for their honesty and moving sense of dignity. Although an accomplished poet and dramatist, Angelou is dedicated to the art of autobiography. Angelou explained that she is "not afraid of the ties [between past and present]. I cherish them, rather. It's the vulnerability … it's allowing oneself to be hypnotized. That's frightening because we have no defenses, nothing. We've slipped down the well and every side is slippery. And how on earth are you going to come out? That's scary. But I've chosen it, and I've chosen this mode as my mode." President Obama said she was a Medal of Freedom recipient, an African heroine and a pride of all people.

A collaborative effort to celebrate Maya Angelou’s life and influence has been arranged to take place at 11a.m. to 1:00p.m on Saturday on the AV Teleforum.  We invite all who wish to give tributes and engage in a dialogue about the influence of Maya Angelou – to join this week’s discussion live by phone or Skype as we connect local individuals to the global communities.

Intelligent discussions are no longer taking place in silos.  If you have anything to say, here is the power to say it. The world is listening.

The topic of this week's discussion is: Tribute to Maya Angelou: Connecting with her identity and Her Impact on Mankind

 

Co-produced by African Views and World Ebony Network

Date: Saturday, May 31, 2014

Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Eastern Time

Planned Length: 2 hour

Dial-in Instructions:

Primary dial-in numbers: (760) 283-0850, press 1 to get to the program director

To join by Skype — add: Africanviews (mute your microphone when you call during the show to avoid on air echo, background noises or statics)

Host: Dr. Ezi Mecha, Founder & CEO World Ebony Network

Co moderator: Rev C. Paschal Eze, rebranding strategist, author of more 15 books, and renowned journalist

Panelists