Women’s History Month Series No. 7 Poet, Author, Activist, Teacher
Image by Dawn Kristy Rainbow in Streeterville Chicago

Women’s History Month Series No. 7 Poet, Author, Activist, Teacher

Maya Angelou: Illuminating Lives Through Words and Deeds

Dr. Maya Angelou's multifaceted talents encompassed poet, actress, author, civil rights activist, and teacher. Yet, some of her most enduring contributions are in literature and social justice.

Her Life on Stage

As I prepare to step onto the stage next week, I reflect on the mentors, friends, and family who have brightened my journey. Maya Angelou's wisdom, especially her metaphor "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud," deeply resonates with me. She talked about bringing everyone who had been kind to her (some here, some gone) with her on stage. She called on them for help, as rainbows in her clouds.

Angelou's Legacy

Angelou's life embodied strength and empowerment. Her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, narrates her journey from silence to eloquence, bringing her international recognition and acclaim.

In her poem "Still I Rise," Maya Angelou embodies the unyielding spirit of Black individuals, asserting self-respect and determination in the face of oppression. The poem's powerful refrain, "I rise," resonates as a declaration of resilience, encouraging people to embrace their inherent strength and dignity.

Angelou’s amazing legacy includes seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and she is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees

As a professor at Wake Forest University, she considered herself not “a writer who teaches, but a teacher who writes.” In her over 32 years of teaching, she touched many lives.

Angelou passed away in 2014 at the age of 86 (RIP).

Rainbows in Someone's Cloud

As I stand before an audience, I bring the lessons imparted by those who have touched my life, with Maya Angelou's legacy among them. Her words remind me that regardless of our challenges, we can rise, inspire, and shine a light for others.

Honoring her memory prompts us to reflect: Will we be a rainbow in someone's cloud today?

Debbie Wemyss

Independent LinkedIn? Specialists ? Clients in 21 Countries ? Corporate & 1:1 Coaching ? Top International 50 ? ALL Coaching Is Customized ? LI Speaker ? Conference Attendee Value-Add: Onsite Profile Evaluations

1 天前

There is nothing more inspiring than recalling what you've learned from others along the journey. Thank you, Dawn Kristy, for all you do. Keep up the great work - you are growing every single week! ????

Dawn Kristy

AI & Cybersecurity Advisor | Former Attorney | Award-Winning Author | Speaker | Founder of The Cyber Dawn? | “When it comes to AI and cybersecurity, prevention beats reaction every time.”

1 天前
Dawn Kristy

AI & Cybersecurity Advisor | Former Attorney | Award-Winning Author | Speaker | Founder of The Cyber Dawn? | “When it comes to AI and cybersecurity, prevention beats reaction every time.”

1 天前

"Be a Rainbow in Someone Else's Cloud" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nYXFletWH4

Will we be a rainbow in someone's cloud today? #WomensHistoryMonth #women

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