RSP REMEMBERS: MAYA ANGELOU 1928-2014

Quote:

“I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did - but people will never forget how you made them feel“.

One of the greatest voices  and visionaries of our time: Maya Angelou was victorious in her life's journey. Her written and spoken words will forever be a global inspiration, With the numerous visual and written pieces of her legacy left behind, she will always be with us. 

The words and  presence of this multidimensional sage personified the wisdom that comes through time, of a life laden with experience. 

The life and the strength that she derived from living, both joyful and heartbreaking would become the encouragement that would teach us all how to live courageously. 

We thank you, Maya Angelou, for your comfort, your strength, your balance, your love....

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Quotes:

"If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love."

"The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free."

"I'm a woman Phenomenally."

"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within."

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."

“Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances."

"While one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeated.

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Trivia

• She was the first black and female cable car conductor in San Francisco.
• Her nickname "Maya" came from her older brother, Bailey, who called her "My" and "Mine".
• She recorded an album for Liberty Records in 1957 titled "Miss Calypso".
• Mother of Guy Johnson, author of the novel "Standing at the Scratch Line."
• Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1998.
• The title of her memoir "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" comes from the poem "Sympathy" (specifically, the last stanza) by Paul Laurence Dunbar.
• Was nominated for Broadway's 1973 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Dramatic) for "Look Away."
• Spoke fluent French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and West African Fanti.
• She was awarded the American National Medal of the Arts in 2000 by the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington D.C.
• She recorded an album with Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, called "Been Found" in 1996.
• Considers Oprah Winfrey her dear friend and the daughter she always wanted.
• Toured Europe and Africa in an American production cast of 'Porgy and Bess' between 1954 and 1955.
• Danced in the film version of "Porgy and Bess". (not credited)

"My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return."