Maya Angelou (1928—2014) was so many things—poet, dancer, singer, actress, scholar, author, activist. She was born (Marguerite Ann Johnson) here in St. Louis. After a very traumatic child hood and early teen years, she went on to have many legendary achievements.
First Black woman street car conductor in San Francisco
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award nominee
Three time Emmy winner
Author of million selling autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Performed her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at President Clinton’s inauguration
Professor at Wake Forest for over 30 years
Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.
Appears on US quarter from 2022
Known for many quotes, one that gives us much to reflect on is “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Contributed by Kim Blackford.
Interested in joining the Peace and Justice Ministry? Call or text Saralou Hendrickson at 314-440-2020.