BlackPastBlog.org: 'Remembering Maya Angelou: An Occasion for Reflecting on the Importance of Poets'

Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

(Dwight/The National Book Foundation)

Hazel Singer writes:

Hello friends,

Please check out the new post on BlackPast.org Blog, a reflection on Maya Angelou and the importance of poetry.

And, as always, share with friends and family.

Thanks!

-Hazel

BlackPast.org Blog

Maya Angelou spoke words, wrote words, sang words, danced words, taught words. Everything she did underscored the importance of words: words to express anger, joy, sorrow. Words to connect people to their history, their past and their present. Words of wisdom to young women; words of caution to an uncaring public; words to live by to two Presidents of the United States of America. A list of her poems can be found here.

The importance of Maya Angelou, the poet, reminds us of the importance of poetry as an art form and a political form in the Black community. The first known Black poet in America was Lucy Terry Prince, born in 1732.There is a list of 46 poets at this link: take some time to explore how the words of these thought leaders shaped views, values, and conversations.