Dr. Maya Angelou, award-winning writer, poet, and civil rights activist, died at age 86. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in honor of the life and contributions of Dr. Maya Angelou:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of the literary icon, Maya Angelou. She dedicated her life to the empowerment of others through her inspirational poetry and sophisticated literary works.
Maya Angelou was a trailblazer for women and poets around the world. She worked as a civil rights activist, alongside both Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, to help usher in historic change throughout the nation. As a newly elected Member of Congress, I had the great honor of being present during her reading of “On the Pulse of Morning” at President Clinton’s inauguration in 1993. She was the first African American woman to have that honor, and the first poet, since Robert Frost, to read at an inauguration in more than three decades. These are testaments to the extraordinary impact she had on American society.
Today, we lost a great teacher, mentor, leader and American. Maya Angelou’s creative works and poems are timeless. Her influence will be felt for generations to come. We will continue to revisit and reflect upon her words for years to come.”
