Maya Angelou...A Phenomenal Woman Phenomenally

Dr. Maya Angelou is one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. Hailed as a global renaissance woman, Dr. Angelou is a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Born on April 4th, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Angelou was raised in St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas. In Stamps, Dr. Angelou experienced the brutality of racial discrimination, but she also absorbed the unshakable faith and values of traditional African-American family, community, and culture. Angelou is one of the most honored writers of her generation. She has been honored by universities, literary organizations, government agencies, and special interest groups. Her honors include a National Book Award nomination for I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, a Pulitzer Prize nomination for her book of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie,a Tony Award nomination for her role in the 1973 play Look Away, and three Grammys for her spoken word albums.In 1995, Angelou's publishing company, Bantam Books, recognized her for having the longest-running record (two years) on The New York Times Paperback Nonfiction Bestseller List. In 1998, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.She has served on two presidential committees,and was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2000 and the Lincoln Medal in 2008.Musician Ben Harper has honored Angelou with his song "I'll Rise", which includes words from her poem, "And Still I Rise." She has been awarded over thirty honorary degrees. Happy Birthday Dr. Angelou, your work continues to inspire us...