Source: unknown
On February 2009 at 11:58 a.m., I realized my dream. I
pushed my fear aside, which normally paralyzed me in my early days as a
reporter, and conducted my biggest interview to date – Dr. Maya Angelou. As a
21-year-old reporter, I was to say the least, nervous, but still kept enough
composure to conduct a professional interview with the 80-year-old poetic
genius and New York Times Bestselling author.
When I first heard that Angelou would be speaking my
school, The Ohio State University, for a lecture, I smiled at the possibility
of being able to ask her a couple of questions for an article. But then a wave
of doubt began to overtake when I considered all my shortcomings. I was a
beginning journalism student with little skill set, and I had not started
working for the school newspaper, The Lantern, yet. Sure, I knew how to ask
some basic questions, but was I able to realistically convey any of my inquires
to a famous writer, and then be able to knit her words into something people
would be able to read and enjoy?
Needless to say, the pressure was on as it is always for a
journalist, and I rose to the occasion, broke to through the crowd, introduced
myself and began the impossible. Whatever courage I mustered up to talk to
Angelou, it worked, and it was at that very moment I realized reporting is what
I was always destined to do.
Rest in Peace to the Queen!!!!!
Article below
Maya Angelou calls popular
poetry offensive
In a phone interview on Feb 11, 2010
Maya Angelou, a legendary American poet, spoke candidly about her disdain for
some of the language used in modern day poetry.
“Some of the popular poetry offends me,
I’m offended by profanity, and vulgarity,” she says.
She asserts that audiences, including
herself, deserve a far better choice of words than what artists choose to use
today.
“My ears deserve better than that, my history
deserves better than that,” She says.
Although Angelou unapologetically
criticizes modern day poetry for its usage of vulgar language she also
acknowledges the fact that time and culture are forever evolving.
“The forms are changing and people are experimenting
and exploring, and I like that ... I
just don’t agree with the vulgarity.” she says.
In addition to voicing her opinion about
the state of modern day poetic lyrics she seamlessly transitioned into her
political activism, stating that,” everyone is political”.
Angelou, who worked with Malcolm X and
Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, has never shied away from fighting for
justice.
She endorsed Hilary Clinton in the 2008 presidential
election, and later contributed to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign after
Clinton stepped down.
Other topics of discussion ranged from
Angelou’s perspective on life to her many sources of inspirations.
“So many people inspire me ... those who try to change darkness into
light…some young people second or third generation on welfare walk down the
street as if they have oil wells in their backyard, that inspires me,” she says.
In her trademark distinct and
articulate tone she emphasizes the importance of equality amongst people, stating,
“Only equals make friends… any other relationship is out of order”.
When asked which piece of work captures
the essence of her the most she answered with a loud bellowed laugh.
“I don’t know, it depends on the time
of day you ask me … in the morning it could be still I rise, or it could be a
song I wrote with Quincy Jones,” she says.
It is apparent that Angelou, who will
be celebrating her 82 birthday this April, is an extraordinary woman. She has
traveled the world, and will add The Ohio State University to her list on Feb
28, 2010.
Ohio
State’s Ohio Union Activities Board will be hosting the event scheduled to take
place at Mershon Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
According to lecture committee member, Stephen Humphries, the exact
content of Angelou’s speech is unknown, but is expected to focus on race relations and diversity.
“Dr. Angelou is an incredible American figure whose wisdom
and experience are unparalleled… we hope that students gain a new perspective
on diversity,” Humphries e-mailed Feb 17, 2010.
Though she has created extravagant forms of art in film,
theatre, and music she still remains humble, insisting that she is merely
trying to be a Christian woman, which
she deems not an easy task by any means.
“I would like to be known as a woman who worked hard who
loved being a human being, loved being an African-American woman in the 20 and
21 century,” she says.
