Black History Month...

In honor of Black History Month I thought I'd put up a short post about a great black woman, other than my Ma of course, who inspires me in many ways. Maya Angelou...she is one of the most influential African American authors and orators of the twentieth century. She started out as a cable car conductor after she dropped out of high school then she went on to get into singing and dancing in the 1950s. Then in the '60s she began writing and editing and through the 70s she found her talents as an actress, director, poet and screenwriter.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" ~ Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was featured on one of Oprah's series entitled 'MasterClass' and I learned that she was mute up until the age of 6! To think she is one of the greatest orators just shows me it doesn't matter how you start but how you finish and anyone is capable of greatness as long as it is desired. I love her spirit, all her interviews are just so fulfilling and they give hope and she can relate to anyone...not just writers, poets, ect. The lessons she's learned can be applied to any individuals every day life.

My Grandmother loves Maya Angelou and it is sooo crazy how she looks just like her!! My Gma also has the kind of soul like her as well. Very wise, and sweet but can be a firecracker at the drop of a dime! We always joke about how we are going to get my Gma on Oprah on a look-a-like show :-) My Gma is a huge fan of Oprah as well as Maya A. I've included a pic of my Gma in case you didn't believe me. People on a daily basis ask if my Gma is Maya and she tells them no and just giggles...there have been many people who thinks she is lying to keep her identity under wraps.

Even though blacks and their history should be celebrated and taught daily, let's be sure to take out at least this month to learn and teach someone, whether it be youth or an adult, about the strength of our black leaders!