Truths Told

I hope to look through my life at life. I want to use what has happened to me--is happening to me--to see what human beings are like. --Maya Angelou (1992)

She's the tall, imposing cocoa-skinned woman standing in the winter's chill, the poet reminding the nation and its leaders of the fragility of our planet, the wonder of life, the hope of humankind at William Jefferson Clinton's first inauguration as President of the United States. She's the writer sharing hard-earned wisdom, humorous and painful truths and powerful affirmations, urging her readers to laugh, to dare, to strive, to dream, to love, to say Yes! to life. The autobiographer whose frank thoughtful sharing of her life's journey continues to captivate, challenge, and inspire readers of all ages around the world. The much sought after speaker urging her audiences to own their truths, claim their voices, and fully embrace their lives. Calling us to higher ground, her words nurture our spirits, stretch our minds, and stir our hearts. Her messages affirm our shared humanity, the human experience, and the sacredness of life. We laugh and rejoice with her. She challenges us and calls us to love ourselves and one another, to live fully, savor life, and embrace our potential. Her voice--hot chocolate smooth, melodious and welcoming--holds listeners spellbound. Her laughter starts deep, envelopes, and invites us all to share the joy.

Her name is Maya Angelou.

And hers is a rich life. She's danced and sung in theaters and nightclubs, acted, written, and directed works for the stage, television, and film. She's a college professor, serious scholar, and a generous mentor. She's the loving mother of one son, a proud grandmother, and wise, doting great-grandmother. She's a woman with a grand passion for life that she's shared with husbands and soulmates, with family, chosen kin, and an enduring ever-expanding circle of friends; she lives the life she sings about on the page to the fullest. Her homes, elegantly appointed, always welcoming and comfortable, abound with hundreds of books and the art that she's collected all of her adult life. Her skill in the kitchen is the stuff of legend--from haute cuisine to down-home comfort food--and the source of great pleasure for both the cook and those invited to share. At her table God is always thanked, food savored, laughter and rich talk encouraged. She revels in gathering folk around her, in her home, at her table, ever welcoming.

Now, as she steps into the eightieth year of her life, she remains as curious and zestful as a young woman, maintaining a schedule that many people half her age would find daunting. She spends weeks traveling the blue highways of America in her customized bus en route to speaking engagements before audiences ranging from children and college students, to folks from all walks of life. Wherever she goes there are always interviews to be given; television and radio appearances; book signings; meetings with local officials, community groups, activists, writers and artists, but she always finds time to share laughter and break bread with friends old and new.

Ever the writer, disciplined and focused, whether on the road or at home, she works at her craft. She writes in longhand on yellow legal pads, poetry and prose in constant progress. She is the creator of a very successful, special collection of products for Hallmark that ranges from greeting cards to decorative accessories in the sumptuous fabrics and jewel colors that she loves. Her passion for theater and film is undiminished. There are always directing, acting, writing projects in the mix or on her to-do list. And then there's her work as a...

 

Marcia Ann Gillespie, a longtime friend of Dr. Angelou, was the editor in chief of Essence magazine from 1971 to 1980. She lives in New York City and is currently working on her memoir.

Rosa Johnson Butler is Dr. Angelou’s niece and archivist. She lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Richard A. Long has known Dr. Angelou for more than thirty years. He is the Atticus Haygood Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Emeritus, at Emory University. He lives in Atlanta.

 

Maya Angelou by Marcia Ann Gillespie
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