Maya Angelou A Phenomenal Woman
I ask myself what are words? Are they just simple elements of speech and writing? Are they simply characters we, as humans, put together to formulate an avenue for communication? Words, to me, are more than just letters within a sentence. They are powerful mechanisms that can change the world. The late, great Maya Angelou once said, “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” It is through Angelou’s ability to personify the use of her words so beautifully that she is an African American that has been an inspiration in my life.
A phenomenal woman born on April 4th, 1928 in the small town of Stamps, Arkansas, Maya Angelou was one the most eminent African American writers of the 20th century and one of the most influential literary voices of America. She used her words to not only serve as a voice for black America but to welcome the concept of creativity in the African American community. Maya Angelou is well known for her literary works, more specifically, her astounding poetry. My favorite poem by Angelou is “Still I Rise”. “You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still like air, I'll rise.”
Angelou’s encouraging poem often reminds me of why I am an activist for women's empowerment today. As a young African- American girl, I recognize the double jeopardy which consists of being black and female in a racist, sexist society. At times, when I feel the odds are stacked against me, I read the words of Angelou’s poem to remind me that I am more than the misconception placed on me by humanity. I can be and I will be everything that I aspire to be. Furthermore, defeat is never an option. It is through listening to Angelou’s words that I continue to seek, dream, learn, grow, love, and hope for a better tomorrow and make a difference in the world.
Though Angelou’s poetry is well known and appreciated her legacy does not end there. During her eighty-six years of life, she won multiple honors awards for her astounding literary works including three Grammy’s for best-spoken word album and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010 presented to her by President Barak Obama. I aspire to be a woman of the caliber of Maya Angelou. A woman whose words are so powerful and effective that they continue to be spoken after my time to pass has come. It is because of Angelou’s dedication to creativity and her community, that I, a 21st-century child, am able to still be impacted by her legacy. So in honor of Maya Angelou, no matter what obstacles or challenges I may find laid before me, I will continue to ‘sing my song’ and strive to change the world and honor her always
