Reclaiming Our Way promoting the well-being of African American children & families

Dr. Maya Angelou’s Tribute Poem to Nelson Mandela

Remembering...

Dr. Maya Angelou
April 4, 1928 - May 28, 2014

Daughter of Africa
Teacher to the World

When I hear Dr. Maya Angelou's recording of this tribute poem, I can't help but also think of her example, of her spirit and her legacy to us and to the world.  She will remain with us, and her wisdom will continue to nourish and strengthen us for the journey that remains.

Dr. Maya Angelou was able to see the beauty and potential in all of us, precisely because she learned to see and appreciate the beauty and potential in herself.  She wanted so much to reflect that love and appreciation to us, so that we might also embrace it, and offer it to those around us, and also to the world.  That is her priceless gift to us.  Each of us may receive that gift in different ways, but let us all share it with those around us.

We possess the light that will guide our journey forward.  We remain... "the hope and dream of the slave."

I offer the quote just below, which is pulled from the closing lines of her tribute poem to Nelson Mandela, as our collective message of thanks to our great warrior spirit and teacher, Dr. Maya Angelou.

"We will not forget you, we will not dishonor you, we will remember and be glad that you lived among us, that you taught us, and that you loved us all."