One of the most remarkable women that this country has known died today.
Maya Angelou was a novelist, actress, educator, professor, singer, dancer, and civil rights activist. She died at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She spoke in the way that allowed for each sentence to be a crescendo of emotion, a call to everyone to act and to be better.
In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded her the Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor.
Many today will recall the following moment in history, and be warmed once again by the strength of her voice and her resolve to live life and make for a better world.
CAFFEINATED POLITICS 
I love this poem. I was just a young English major when she presented this verse, and I remember thinking how special it was–and is. She will be missed.
We have lost a national treasure.