Passed Away at the Age of 86

Maya Angelou, the American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, passed away on 28/05/2014 at the age of 86. She died quietly at her home in Winston Salem, North Carolina, where she had lived for many years while serving as Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. Her death was confirmed by her literary agent and family members, who stated that she had been in frail health in the period leading up to her passing. Local authorities reported that Angelou was found at her residence on the morning of 28/05/2014 after failing to appear for scheduled engagements. She had recently canceled several public appearances due to health concerns. According to statements from her representatives, she had been experiencing heart related problems and declining health prior to her death. Wake Forest University, where she had taught since 1982, confirmed the news later that morning. Following the announcement, tributes were issued by public figures, including President Barack Obama, who awarded Angelou the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010. Oprah Winfrey, a longtime friend, released a statement describing Angelou as a guiding presence in her life. Universities, civic leaders, and literary organizations also issued messages recognizing her contributions to literature, civil rights advocacy, and public life. Memorial services were later held in Winston Salem and San Francisco in the weeks following her death. Maya Angelou was widely known for her 1969 memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, along with numerous volumes of poetry and essays. She also delivered the poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton on 20/01/1993. Her career spanned writing, teaching, acting, and activism, with decades of public engagement across the United States and internationally.