Episode 123: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Notes:

“A writer, poet, performer, social activist, and teacher, Angelou rose to international prominence as an author after the publication of her groundbreaking autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Angelou’s published works of verse, non-fiction, and fiction include more than 30 bestselling titles. Her remarkable career encompasses dance, theater, journalism, and social activism. The recipient of more than 30 honorary degrees, Angelou read “On the Pulse of Morning” at the 1992 inauguration of President Bill Clinton.  Angelou’s reading marked the first time an African American woman wrote and presented a poem at a Presidential inauguration. In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded Angelou the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and she was the 2013 recipient of the Literarian Award, an honorary National Book Award for contributions to the literary community.” - https://www.mayaangelou.com/

The Verbivore reads several quotes. Here they are:

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” Dedication made by Dr. Maya Angelou

“This book is dedicated to

MY SON, GUY JOHNSON,

and all the strong

black birds of promise

who defy the odds and gods

and sing their songs”

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” Foreward written by Oprah Winfrey

““She spoke proudly, bodaciously, and often:

“We are more alike than we are unalike!”

That truth is why we can all have empathy, why we can all be stirred when the caged bird sings.””

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Dr. Maya Angelou Quote

“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning.”

We mention the power of hearing Dr. Maya Angelou perform/read her poems aloud. Here are some Links to those videos:

‘Caged Bird’ - Audio by Dr. Maya Angelou

'A Brave and Starling Truth' - Recited by Dr. Maya before the UN

'Human Family' - Audio by Dr. Maya Angelou, Photographs by Lee Jeffries

‘And Still I Rise’ - Live Performance by Dr. Maya Angelou

'The Mask' - Live Performance by Dr. Maya Angelou

Books & Movies Mentioned:

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

And Still I Rise: A Book of Poems by Maya Angelou

Music from: https://filmmusic.io
’Friendly day’ by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
Licence: CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)