Maya Angelou dies aged 86

Maya Angelou died yesterday at the age 86 of. Maya Angelou was the epitome of grace, strength, and dignity and showed everyone that they could overcome their circumstances and find a way to make a stand.

Although her achievements were vast, Maya Angelou was perhaps best known for her writing and  poetry. Her autobiography, "I know why the Caged birds sings" gave us a glimpse into her life and her poems such as "Still I Rise" gave us words that we can  all gain strength from.

In a press release issued by the University of Carolina, poet and UofSC Lecturer Nikky Finney said:

“Miss Maya led us with her brilliance for half a century. She didn't suffer fools lightly. She studied us human beings and the English language passionately. She never let us off the hook with our many modern excuses. She was a walking encyclopedia of who we were and who we needed to be. She could tell and sing a story in the same sweet dazzling breath. It didn't matter who or what you were when she walked in the room even the silverware got quiet. She was a queen. She was majestic. She was our great humanitarian. She taught me so many things about surviving, struggling, and the resilience of the human heart. In this moment of stunning loss it feels like a great human library has burned to the ground.”

And a statement from Wake Forest University said:

Today members of the Wake Forest University community mourn the loss of beloved poet, author, actress, civil rights activist and professor Dr. Maya Angelou.

Dr. Angelou was a national treasure whose life and teachings inspired millions around the world, including countless students, faculty, and staff at Wake Forest, where she served as Reynolds Professor of American Studies since 1982.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Angelou’s family and friends during this difficult time.

"Maya Angelou has been a towering figure at Wake Forest and in American culture," said Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University. "She had a profound influence in
civil rights and racial reconciliation. We will miss profoundly her lyrical voice and always keen insights."

Details about a campus memorial service may be shared at a later date."