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Maya Angelou to inspire, entertain SCSU
By Diana Matusewic
Life stories can be inspirational and mesmerizing, especially stories of success despite desperation. These stories enlighten the imagination and reassure the listeners that there is always hope, even in the bleakest moments.
Maya Angelou is one person who has achieved so much and inspired so many through her words.
As a child she was traumatized by a situation in her life and became mute. During this time she expressed herself through poetry.
"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," was her first book published, which is an autobiographical account of her childhood. This became a two-hour special for CBS in 1979.
"She just portrays hope. I think that's conveyed in a lot of her messages," said Janice Courtney, assistant director, arts advisor and public relations for UPB.
Angelou is a well-known poet, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, filmmaker and producer and currently a professor at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.
Since the sixties she has been a highly respected public figure. Jimmy Carter appointed Angelou to the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year, and Martin Luther King Jr. asked that she become the northern coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
At President Clinton's inaugural, Angelou was chosen to read her poem, "On the Pulse of Morning," in 1993. She has also appeared on various talk and network shows such as Oprah.
"She read some excerpts of her poems and she did talk more about the dignity of women and the lack of respect for women," Courtney said.
Now, after three years of trying to get Angelou to appear on campus, UPB has planned her arrival Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Halenbeck Hall. She will be discussing her poetry, films, plays and life experiences as part of Women's month.
"As far as national events are concerned, we have had smaller performers come, but not as widely known as Maya Angelou," said Amanda Hallfrisch, national events coordinator for UPB.
Besides celebrating Women's month, Courtney said that this is a perfect opportunity to promote diversity on campus, which they have done in the past with appearances by Martin Luther King III and Bill Cosby.
"These are famous people that also give a message of working together, of unit, and I think just building the bridges of any diversity groups that might be there. In our programming office, we want to be a part of making a difference in cultural diversity," she said, "and we're hoping that professors will encourage students to come to this."
There are students who are familiar with Angelou's work and look forward to her appearance. Bianca Rhodes was the literary arts coordinator last year, (currently president counsel of African American Students) and she tried to get Angelou to appear for Women's month last year. Rhodes has been inspired by her life and the work that she has done.
"She is truly like all the women in my family. You have the strong, the gentle (and) the assertive rolled into one," she said. "I've learned that writing is powerful. You can do great things with something we take for granted everyday."
Shay Adeboye, vice president of administration for UPB has also seen her on television and read her books.
"She's very inspirational, and if you listen to her presentation, that can help you further in your life," she said.
Tickets are on sale now at the Atwood Center Information Desk, $5 for the public and two free with campus ID.
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