"The Spirit Table," blends Maya Angelou's Letter to My Daughter with Hallelujah, the Welcome Table to bring together the best of Maya Angelou, her family and traditions, in an entertaining and inspiring series that celebrates life's special moments with a feast from the heart. New traditions will unfold and today's most fascinating people will gather to bring substance and sustenance to Maya Angelou's table.
Transcendent as an actor, teacher, writer, civil rights activist and Renaissance woman, Maya Angelou is a potent mixture of the spiritual and the earthy who has inspired millions with her multi-faceted career. Dr. Angelou possesses the innate and compelling grace of a woman who has constructed a life lived without concession or false excuse. Long one of the country's most sought-after speakers, Dr. Angelou first gained widespread critical attention for her autobiographical I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, recounting a difficult childhood and the five years of silence that ensued, during which she listened intensely and found the unique voice of the poet she was born to be.
Dr. Maya Angelou and Sidney Clifton are executive producers of "The Spirit Table."
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Dr. Maya Angelou, the celebrated author, poet, educator and activist, became the newest graduate of the University of Redlands when she was presented with an honorary degree after speaking to a packed Memorial Chapel Wednesday night.
At the end of her fourth visit to the University, President James R. Appleton and Academic Affairs Vice President David Fite bestowed upon Angelou the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
The recent Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient bowed her head, and after several moments replied:
“Family. That’s who you are to me.”
In poetry, song and story, Angelou entertained and moved the enthusiastic crowd that gave her several standing ovations.
“I come to help tear down the walls of ignorance,” she said. “This University, this Redlands… is a rainbow in the clouds,” offering a “chance to let the walls come tumbling down.”
“It was built for that. Supported and founded for that. You are here because you are supposed to learn that,” she said.
Angelou told the Redlands audience she had to postpone her invitation to speak because she was selected to receive the Medal of Freedom—the nation’s highest civilian honor—from President Barack Obama in February.
She held the medal up to the audience, telling them, “I know this represents seeing the walls coming tumbling down. If you see me wearing it on TV, know that I’m wearing it for you.”
Angelou has authored 12 best-selling books, including “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” an autobiographical account of her youth, and numerous magazine articles that have earned her Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award nominations.
In 1993, Angelou became the second poet in U.S. history to have the honor of writing and reciting original work at a presidential inauguration. Delivering “On the Pulse of Morning” at Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration gave her wide recognition for which she was awarded a Grammy.
Hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary black literature, Angelou is a lifetime Reynolds professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.
In presenting the honorary degree to Angelou, President Appleton told her, “Your voice and wisdom have reached across generations and around the world to change the lives of many.”
One of The Great Voices of Contemporary Literature,
I read this, thought it was quite interesting and as a fan and admirer, wanted to share. I also encourage you to visit the website for Dr. Maya Angelo.
In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked, what she thought of growing older. And, she said.
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."
"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
"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." Wise Love Quotes
