(FILES) In this July 27, 2004 file photo, Poet and activist Dr. Maya
Angelou addresses the Democratic National Convention in Boston,
Massachusetts. Award-winning author, renowned poet and civil rights
activist Dr Maya Angelou has died. She was 86. AFP PHOTO / Hector MATA /
FILES
The “renaissance woman” was yesterday morning found dead in her North Carolina home aged 86.
Millions
of poetry enthusiasts from across the world paid tribute on social
networking sites as news of the Pulitzer-nominated writer’s death
spread.
Dr Angelou is known for the acclaimed poetry
collection I know Why the Caged Bird Sings, among other literary titles
for which she received recognition.
The 1969 collection was recognised as the first non-fiction best seller by an African-American woman.
She
wrote other celebrated pieces, including a poem titled On the Pulse of
Morning, which she recited at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in
1993.
She was born on April 4, 1928 in St Louis Missouri.
According
to a statement posted on Facebook by Dr Maya Angelou’s family, she died
at her home in Winston, Salem, North Carolina, before 8am.
“Her
family is extremely grateful that her ascension was not belaboured by a
loss of acuity or comprehension. She lived a life as a teacher,
activist, artist and human being,” says the tribute that attracted
thousands of comments and “shares” on the website. “She was a warrior
for equality, tolerance and peace.” The statement was signed by Guy B.
Johnson.
In what is believed to be her last tweet, the
prolific writer said: “Listen to yourself, and in quietude you might
hear the voice of God.”
And in one of her famous
quotes, she said: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t
change it, change your attitude.”
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