Wednesday morning, "America's Poet", Dr. Maya Angelou died at her home in Winston-Salem, NC. As news of the death spread around the country, social media has been buzzing with her quotes and remembrances.
Here are statements from Angelou's family, the President and leaders across the country:
Statement from Dr. Maya Angelou's Family:
Dr. Maya Angelou passed quietly in her home before 8:00 a.m. EST. Her family is extremely grateful that her ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity or comprehension. She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace. The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her and we know that she is looking down upon us with love.
Guy B. Johnson
Statement by the President on the Passing of Maya Angelou
When her friend Nelson Mandela passed away last year, Maya Angelou wrote that "No sun outlasts its sunset, but will rise again, and bring the dawn."
Today, Michelle and I join millions around the world in remembering one of the brightest lights of our time – a brilliant writer, a fierce friend, and a truly phenomenal woman. Over the course of her remarkable life, Maya was many things – an author, poet, civil rights activist, playwright, actress, director, composer, singer and dancer. But above all, she was a storyteller – and her greatest stories were true. A childhood of suffering and abuse actually drove her to stop speaking – but the voice she found helped generations of Americans find their rainbow amidst the clouds, and inspired the rest of us to be our best selves. In fact, she inspired my own mother to name my sister Maya.
Like so many others, Michelle and I will always cherish the time we were privileged to spend with Maya. With a kind word and a strong embrace, she had the ability to remind us that we are all God's children; that we all have something to offer. And while Maya's day may be done, we take comfort in knowing that her song will continue, "flung up to heaven" – and we celebrate the dawn that Maya Angelou helped bring.
Governor McCrory Releases Statement on the Passing of Dr. Maya Angelou
Raleigh, N.C. –Governor Pat McCrory has issued the following statement following the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou today at her home in Winston-Salem.
"Dr. Maya Angelou was a giant in every endeavor she chose to devote her talents," said Governor McCrory. "She counseled presidents and historic figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King. Yet, she'll be remembered most for her compassion for people around the world, regardless of their station in life. Maya Angelou was a tremendous source of pride for North Carolina and her adopted state is grieving her loss."
U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan:"Today North Carolina lost one of our finest. Dr. Maya Angelou was a trailblazer, an advocate for women and civil rights, and one of the greatest literary voices of our time. She embodied courage. She spoke the truth and stood up for what was right, and in doing so she inspired others, including her students at Wake Forest University, to do the same. While our state and our country has lost a strong and powerful voice, Dr. Maya Angelou's legacy is firmly and tightly woven into the foundation of what makes our state great. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends and the millions of people across the country who were impacted by her words and inspired by her dedication to justice and equality."
Wake Forest University Statement on Dr. Maya Angelou
Winston-Salem, N.C. – Today members of the Wake Forest University community mourn the loss of beloved poet, author, actress, civil rights activist and professor Dr. Maya Angelou.
Dr. Angelou was a national treasure whose life and teachings inspired millions around the world, including countless students, faculty, and staff at Wake Forest, where she served as Reynolds Professor of American Studies since 1982.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Angelou's family and friends during this difficult time.
Details about a campus memorial service may be shared at a later date.
From Oprah Winfrey's Instagram
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 unshakable 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.
AFT's Weingarten on the Passing of Maya Angelou
WASHINGTON — Statement from American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on the passing of poet, educator and civil rights leader Maya Angelou:
"In Maya Angelou's own words, 'We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.' This sentiment echoes her true spirit; she was a phenomenal woman. We stand in awe of her healing words, her strength to educate and her courage to liberate. Her moral compass still provides direction to our fight for equity and civil rights, and will guide us for as long as we celebrate her legacy."
Statement from WSSU Chancellor Donald J. Reaves
All of us at Winston-Salem State University are truly saddened by the passing of Dr. Angelou. One of her greatest gifts to the university was her deep caring for our students that she demonstrated by serving as a mentor and an inspiration to many of them. For several years, she was the keynote speaker for our freshman convocation program and even worked with one class from the time they came to campus through their senior year. She paid close attention to their academic and their personal progress and made sure they knew she was watching them.
I had the good fortune to meet Dr. Angelou shortly after I arrived in Winston-Salem and had maintained contact with her over the years. So, this is a personal loss for me as well as a loss for our campus, this community and this nation. We are fortunate to know that her legacy will certainly continue to have impact and we appreciate her contributions to us and to all those whose lives she touched.
North Carolina Democratic Party Celebrates the Life of Esteemed Writer Maya Angelou
"Poets are a window to the soul," said North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Randy Voller. "They are a conduit to understanding and communicating the prevailing zeitgeist and they bear the responsibility of providing insight into our society, our surroundings and ourselves. The passing of Maya Angelou reminds us of the value and power of creative expression and the immortality of her words."
AAC-NCDP President Willie Fleming had similar sentiment and personal recollections of the civil rights/ arts great. Fleming met Angelou in 1988 in Greensboro as part of a delegation meeting with then Presidential candidate Jesse Jackson.
"She sat beside me and we spoke. During our conversation about civil rights and the possibility of an African-American president, she touched me and said 'young man, everything is going to be alright'," Fleming remembered. "When she got to the podium, she gave me a wink. We have to keep pushing forward in honor of Maya Angelou and other fighters for social justice and equality. She explained why the Caged Bird sang then and how we can all sing louder if freed from the social limitations of the past and present. We thank her."
Despite her troubled childhood, she was a three-time Grammy winner and was nominated for a Pulitzer, a Tony, and an Emmy for her role in the groundbreaking television mini-series "Roots."
Statement from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
"All of us at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou. We have been honored to carry her name here at the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity for the past 12 years to advance the cause of health equity. Dr. Angelou was a wonderful champion for many issues in our society and understood well the relationship between social justice and optimal health for all people. Her voice will continue to have an influence around the world for many generations."
