The African-American community has lost a legend.
Poet and acclaimed author, Maya Angelou, died in her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Wednesday, May 28 at the age of 86. Her publicist, Helen Brann, confirmed the death with CNN. Brann said that Angelou had been "frail" and suffering from heart problems.
She was born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis on April 4, 1928. Angelou has won three Grammy's, received more than 50 honorary degrees and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
President Obama released a statement on the sad news. "Today, Michelle and I join millions around the world in remembering one of the brightest lights of our time - a brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman." He added, "She inspired my own mother to name my sister Maya."
Angelou was more than just a writer and poet. She was a calypso singer, dancer, magazine editor in Cairo, administrative assistant in Ghana, and has been said to have been friends with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
The legendary writer leaves behind son, Guy Johnson who is also a writer.
She will be missed across the nation and worldwide.
Us Weekly
New York Times
CNN
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