“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Illustrious poet, dancer, and singer Maya Angelou passed away May 28, 2014 at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou had been reportedly battling health problems for a few years.

Angelou is one of the most renowned and influential people of our time. Over the years she has become a celebrated poet, novelist, educator, producer, actress, filmmaker and civil rights activist. Angelou has paved the way for many and represents the true identity behind inspiration.

Although she is referred to by many as professor, Angelou she never completed college. She has received over 50 honorary degrees and was Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. Angelou is well-known for her literary works. Her poems and books have changed and inspired the world. “I want to write so well that a person is 30 or 40 pages in a book of mine … before she realizes she’s reading,” said Angelou.

Angelou was also one of the first black women film directors. Her work on Broadway has been nominated for Tony Awards. The Poet Laureate is known for working closely with Martin Luther King Jr and Oprah in their humanitarian efforts.

The world has lost a legend but her legacy will forever live on.  One of Angelou’s last tweets of inspiration read -“Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.”