Angelou provided eloquent commentary on race, gender and living life to its fullest in poems and memoirs such as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which brought her wide acclaim.
She wrote more than 30 books and was a Grammy winner for three spoken-word albums. She had a home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she was a professor of American studies at Wake Forest University.
She was honored at the National Book Awards ceremony last year for her service to the literary community.
Maya Angelou's last tweet:
Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) May 23, 2014
Twitter reaction:
People from around the world react to her death.
We're saddened by the passing of our friend Maya Angelou. Thank you for all you've done, and for all the hugs. pic.twitter.com/kmLCN59Uef
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) May 28, 2014
"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." Maya Angelou - who was utterly amazing.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 28, 2014
#RIP Maya Angelou, who reminded us "Nothing can dim the light which shines from within"
— Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) May 28, 2014
RIP Maya Angelou. A great woman.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 28, 2014
RIP Maya Angelou. Saddened by this great loss. We were fortunate to host a visit by the legendary poet in 2009. pic.twitter.com/yq5K8mi1CK
— IU Bloomington (@IUBloomington) May 28, 2014
#MySleeptweet RIP Maya Angelou pic.twitter.com/qHlsS9cxF1
— The Disruptorš„ (@IWashington) May 28, 2014
RIP! Maya Angelou. U will be missed but your verses will stay with us and continue to inspire many many generations to come.
— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) May 28, 2014
https://twitter.com/anthonypermal/status/471649945070489601
RIP Maya Angelou.....your poetry empowered and gave many caged birds their songs of freedom.
— ą¤®ą¤ą„ą¤ą¤²ą¤®ą„ (@veejaysai) May 28, 2014
COMMENTS (3)
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She was a wonderful human being and an accomplished poet and author.
I read her life story to my children long ago for inspiration - she showed the world that all things are possible and that love matters, especially to love yourself. One of her favorite sayings we often share at home is, "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud".
Rest in peace Maya Angelou. A great and tragic loss.