Common on the late Maya Angelou

I don’t know if my words—or any words—can truly describe the experience of being in the atmosphere of Dr. Maya Angelou, someone you know is sent from the Creator to Give the World A Voice it has never heard, a brightness it has never witnessed, an energy that is Greatness, Divinity and Awakening all wrapped into one.

Common wrote these, and many more wonderful words in a new guest post for The Daily Beast, as he recalled the first time he read her poem Still I Rise in 2nd grade, meeting Maya Angelou for the first time, and what an inspiration she has been for him and the rest of the world. It was such a nicely worded piece from a poet himself that I strongly suggest you give it the quick read.

ICYMI: Our post on the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou (including our interview with Common & Maya Angelou)

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R.I.P. Dr. Maya Angelou

Statement from Dr. Maya Angelou’s Family:
Dr. Maya Angelou passed quietly in her home before 8:00 a.m. EST. Her family is extremely grateful that her ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity or comprehension. She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace. The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her and we know that she is looking down upon us with love.
Guy B. Johnson

As you know from the news this morning, Dr. Maya Angelou has passed away at age 86, but her impact and soul will continue to have a great influence on generations to come.

We had our own amazing experience with Dr. Maya Angelou three years ago in what is probably our all-time favorite interview. We were blessed to see first-hand her beautiful, kind soul speaking powerful truths; her mere presence radiated volumes for us in that room and to many more beyond. R.I.P. Dr. Maya Angelou.

GWHH sits down with Common & Dr. Maya Angelou (a Camovement by Cam Be)
(later picked up for a BET special on Maya Angelou)

The truth is we make a mistake when we think that generations can be separated. The truth is you need me, so that I have shoulders you can stand on. And you need me so that you have shoulders somebody else can stand on. We are One. And to separate us and decide that we’ll be polarized is ridiculous, it’s stupid, and it’s dangerous. I am responsible to that 5 year old, that 15 year old, that 30 year old, that 55, I am responsible to you. And I try to live my life as a responsible teacher… giver. Yes, I try to live my life that way, so that I will encourage Common to live his that way.

BONUS: 15 things you (probably) didn’t know about Maya Angelous (but should)