Fabulous Females of February Part 2

We write, we compose, we sing, we dance; we make music with anything that can make a sound. We paint, we sculpt, we act, and we produce, direct and stage live shows. We teach, we preach, we reach and we welcome those who are thirsty to come and drink from a fountain that never runs dry...some of the reasons why...Females are FABULOUS in February as we continue our celebration of Black History Month. Did I say “Fabulous”? In this case I think I meant to say “Phenomenal”, and the woman I am referring to is none other than the one and only Dr. Maya Angelou.

Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist and civil rights activist. She was a historian, actress, playwright, producer and director. I have been so inspired by the life and words of this magnificent woman and I feel a special closeness to her as she was born in the same year as my own mother and remarkably to me, she passed away the same month and year as my mother as well. She was born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4th, 1928 and departed this life on May 28th, 2014. The things accomplished during her time spent in this world were truly extraordinary. She was a woman who overcame every obstacle at a time when black girls were ignored, abused and dismissed as unimportant. This is the same spirit that lives within each of us today if only we could be courageous enough to refuse defiance and defeat. Yes we can! Because she did it and I know if she could speak directly to each woman reading these words, she would tell us to do just that. Stand up, stand tall and go get your blessing!

Here are some little known facts about Maya Angelou:

1. One of the earliest memories she had was being sent to live with her grandmother at the age of 3 in Stamps, Arkansas.

2. Her grandmother ran the only black-owned store in the town and also taught her to read.

3. Her brother Bailey further encouraged her to read and absorb everything that she could.

4. Her family was terrorized by the Ku Klux Klan growing up.

5. She was raped at the age of 7.She didn’t speak for 5 years after.

6. Angelou became an avid reader during her non-speaking years absorbing the works of poets like Paul Laurence Dunbar, Langston Hughes, Edgar Allen Poe and Shakespeare.

7. As a young adult, she worked in night clubs singing and dancing.Acting was her true ambition and she was heartbroken after not landing a role she tried for in a Broadway play.

8. After the rejection from Broadway, Ms. Angelou had the opportunity to meet Langston Hughes and began to write after she became friends with him and other black writers.Some of her most famous writings: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings (1969), Still I Rise (1978), The Heart of A Woman (1981)

The rest, as they say, is history. The message that I received loud and clear as I did a little research to include in this tribute to Dr. Angelou, is one that we should repeat over and over again to ourselves and especially to our children. Hard work, perseverance, and education are the key to opening doors. The doors to starting our businesses, owning our own real estate, making opportunities for ourselves instead of waiting for someone to hand us one. These are the things that make us phenomenal and fabulous! A never-give-up spirit and a willingness to work can make the difference between success and failure. And success isn’t just measured in dollars, but in heart. I will let Maya’s own words speak for her, for you and for me. We are Strengthening Our Black Females Out of Love….

It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.