Maya Angelou

Huntington Beach, Calif.,  activists are pushing to remove one of Maya Angelou's most famous books from school libraries. They say "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" includes material that's not appropriate for children. A scene from the book, that depicts the rape of an eight-year old girl, was read aloud Monday night during the Huntington Beach City Council meeting. One resident, Judy Ahrens, said "I'm not happy to read this, I'm not proud to read this." "It's very uncomfortable to read it, but for the sake of our kids we have to do things that aren't comfortable for the sake of our kids." I guess ... Read Full Story

As I get older, my views change. After decades of being “the life of the party“, some might say I have become rather conservative in my middle-age years. But, even though the gray hairs are adding up, I have still managed to maintain a strong sense liberalism. So, when I heard that the good white folks in Huntington Beach wanted to remove Maya Angelou’s book, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”, from their school district, my reaction was mixed. I have read “Caged Bird Sings“, and its entire series, several times. In fact, I reread the whole series last year. That means I ... Read Full Story

Like it? Share it! Newsletter Sign up for our Daily newsletter to stay updated... Advertisements VOTE FOR CHANGE!! Networking Member of the Boxxet Network of Blogs, Videos and Photos Syndicate this Site   Subscribe to the News   Subscribe to the Listen Section   Subscribe to Rev Run's Section Home Soulfull News By Curt and Jamila Hayman (Chief Editors), on Sunday Nov, 09 2008 4:56:41 pm MST SOURCE:(SR) Maya Angelo , the poet and author of such books as "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" said she had a visceral, physical reaction when Obama was declared the President Elect late Tuesday. "First I ... Read Full Story

The last time I felt this giddy about an inauguration was back in 1992 when Bill Clinton was sworn into office. It was such a happy day. But I think later today, when Barack Obama is inaugurated, the joy will be even more palpable. So back in 1992, I was floored then, and still am now, by Maya Angelou's poem. The words resonate even more today. And yes, she mentions the gays in a cry for diversity and equality. Take a look before a new poem is read later today and after the jump is the full text to "On the Pulse of Morning" ... Read Full Story

As a teacher, I set the tone of my classroom. Just the volume of my voice could inspire, lull or engage my students. The intensity of my words delivery affected my students. It was instantly evident. The dynamism of my delivery was reflected back to me. It was stunning to be aware of this while watching it happen on a consistent basis. I was the music teacher, so I had every student in the schools I taught in. And I had unique awareness of these things, because in music we use tempo, intensity, dynamic, various expressive styles, stressed beats, rhythmic engaging patterns and the ... Read Full Story