With a voice that is so soothing and commands an individuals’ full attention, world-renowned poet and author Dr. Maya Angelou spoke to a crowd of nearly 6,000 people with songs, poetry, stories and words of wisdom at my alma mater, Florida A&M University (FAMU), as part of the University’s Lyceum Series.
During her presentation, Dr. Angelou pointed out that she wanted to speak at FAMU because the institution is a “light in the sky, a rainbow in the clouds.” Although Dr. Angelou said some people could be wiser, hipper, prettier, richer or more educated than others, she stressed that no human being can be more human than another human being.
“When you go into your classrooms do not go in being intimidated by anything that human beings do,” Angelou said.
The famed poet also told students just as they have encountered rainbows in their clouds, they have to be rainbows for others.
“When you get, give,” said Angelou. “When you learn, teach.”
Following her presentation, Dr. Angelou answered a few questions from the audience. She was asked how she would feel when she receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest medal given to a civilian in our nation, on February 15. “I will be accepting it [Presidential Medal of Freedom] for every African that stepped off a slave ship in 1619 and for every Italian, Asian, Greek, Spanish, Muslim, Arab and Jew,” said Angelou. “And to accept it from a Black president, I may fall to my knees.”
To see and hear her firsthand validated my life to service others. She emphasized that no one in the world can stop you from anything; that you should never limit yourself. The greatest limitation is the one that you see in the mirror every morning. Her stories about her life, tribulations, pain and progress truly inspired me.
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