All day I watched the clock.  Maya Angelou was in town!  And at 8:30 PM, I had tickets to see and hear one of the most highly acclaimed poets/authors/spokeswomen in this century.  Tick, tock, tick, tock… with all the work load on my desk, I pushed through!   There was only one thing I wanted to think about - Dr, Angelou!   For years I admired her & her wisdom.  For years I read & studied her works.  And for years, I have always loved her down home realness!  Once again, I would see her!  Dr. Angelou did not disappoint!  The lights dimmed.  With great anticipation, I heard nothing else about the introduction, but her name.  Suddenly, Dr. Angelou appeared, dressed in a classic long after five dress.  The dress had long sleeves, a rhinestone pin placed just so near the front lapel and she wore matching rhinestone earrings- were those ones Oprah gave her as a legend? -  I thought!   

Her hair was a salt & pepper brown tone and styled in a short cropped manner. With her head still held high, regal like the queen she is, she graciously handed her walking cane to an assistant with dignity and pride.  Dr. Angelou then slowly proceeded to walk to the podium.  Although still tall & lean, like most of us, she appeared slightly older, grayer and she walked with a slight lean.  Dr. Angelou had actually aged gracefully!  It had been at least twenty-five years since I had seen her in person in San Francisco, CA.  As she made it to the podium, she received an awesome and well-deserved standing ovation!  She motioned with her hands for all standing to take a seat.  I could not believe my eyes; one of my favorite lifetime idols was before me, once again!  As she broke into a song and began to share stories of her childhood, she used poetry, drama, dance movements, rap, the spoken word and the symbolism of a “The Rainbow”.  She shared how we too can be an inspiration to others.  She shared how we are to be a rainbow of hope and encouragement in the lives of others. 

Dr. Angelou stayed with the theme of the rainbow throughout the entire presentation.  She shared how a simple word of encouragement, a smile, a pat on the shoulder or a kind word can impact others in a special way we never realized.  She spoke of how her grandmother and uncle had spoke life and promise into her, inspite of her shortcomings and the negative thoughts of others.   In addition, Dr. Angelou recited such works from Paul Laurence Dunbar, Edgar Allen Poe, to Langston Hughes and Williams Shakespeare.   She shared stories of her travels around the world, and I do recall excerpts from her book, “I know Why the Cadge Bird Sings.  - What a treat!  I felt as if I were a child being read a fascinating colorful book, with vivid pictures, for the first time! To say the least, I was mesmerized - I am certain many others felt this way too!  As she left the stage, I took a few steps and leaned over to say, Maya, I love you!”  She immediately glanced into the audience, not quite sure where this expression of love had come from.  She then replied, “I love you too!”  Lord help me Jesus, I could not hold back the tears.  The tears fell with appreciation for her.  The tears fell of joy because of my complete satisfaction of experiencing her giftedness.  The tears also fell with great satisfaction of knowing that I had just experienced something to treasure for the rest of my life! 

God forbid that if I never see or hear her in person again, Dr. Maya Angelou was truly a phenomenally phenomenal woman last night!  Thank you Dr. Angelou- you will forever be an example of a rainbow of positive passion, creative energy, inspiration and empowerment to and for me.

Denise L. Norris- TSP Marketing & Advertising Director/ Corporate Planners
Send Comments to d.l.norris@corporateplanners.org