[Part 1 of a 2-part series on Maya Angelou’s appearance in San Jose, California on June 1, 2010.]
Dr. Maya Angelou, amazing writer, teacher, speaker, activist, and inspirational woman.
Dr. Maya Angelou rolled into town in her “Star Coach” bus on Tuesday night. I saw it in the back parking lot of the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. The metallic bus was as big and shiny as Green Day’s!
Dr. A spoke to a nearly sold-out crowd as part of the Unique Lives series. I sat in the last row of the lower section—against the back wall. When she came on stage, I could feel her aura zip atop the heads of the audience and up the rows of people to the back of the room. It ricocheted off my chest and splattered over everyone, I presume. That’s what I call PRESENCE!
I am always looking for inspiration, especially the kind with a feminist slant. The audience was about 98% female. Maybe they were looking for the same experience as me. The moderator introduced Dr. A as a “source of comfort, inspiration, and strength.” You said it, Sista! Or, as Suzanne (the spirited woman sitting to my left) said throughout the evening, “Yeah, Baby!”
Everyone knows Dr. A is a poet and author of compelling autobiographical books. She is also a dancer and singer, composer of film and TV scores, film director, linguist, playwright, screenwriter, political and social activist, public speaker, and Professor of American Studies.
She’s also a hoot, a great storyteller, and a six-foot tall beacon of wisdom and experience that she dispels with an authority that makes you take notice. She also has the best voice to listen to!
During her talk, Dr. A weaved her theme for the evening—Be a rainbow for someone’s else’s dark cloud—by singing a snippet of a song every now and then. The lyrics went: “When it looked like the sun wasn’t gonna shine no more…” It was lovely.
Dr. A is 82 years old. She is wildly popular and in demand as a speaker in the U.S. (and probably abroad as well). Before I wondered what made her tick? Why isn’t she just relaxing at home—writing and teaching and resting on her laurels? What keeps her on the move and traveling and speaking and teaching as much as she does?
I think she know she still MAKES A DIFFERENCE in this world. She can still help humanity be better. She can still help people on an individual level. She can infuse them with the possibility of hope; with the “possibility of being of use.”
I think she is compelled to continue to do so—like a fire that is constantly fed more kindling (people in need) it keeps on burning—emitting light on darkness and touching people with warmth.
Dr. A has received over 30 honorary degrees and has numerous literary awards and achievements under her belt. But what the heck, how ‘bout one more? It is my pleasure to present Dr. Maya Angelou with the FUCHSIA WOMAN NOW award. She more than anyone exemplifies the FW Spirit!
The Honey Pot Trophy for Dr. Maya Angelou
From now on I shall call her Dr. A+. As the moderator said, she is a “living legend.” And as Suzanne replied, “C’mon Baby! Let’s hear it!”
I so wish I could see Dr. Maya Angelou someday! I have been an admirer of hers for a long time. You are extremely lucky to have seen her!