My Publicist Note Book

Dr. Maya Angelou, the poet, actress, author and civil rights activist known around the world, discovered her passion for teaching at Wake Forest University. And, in the past four decades, she has inspired generations of students to become better writers, thinkers and citizens. Angelou died on Wednesday, May 28, at the age of 86. Dr. Maya Angelou’s family has arranged a private memorial service in Wake Forest University’s Wait Chapel on Saturday, June 7 at 10 a.m. Due to limited seating capacity, the family has decided to have a closed service for family and friends only. Wake Forest University will livestream the service for the public. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — First Lady Michelle Obama and former President Bill Clinton will be among the dignitaries at Saturday's private memorial for the late Dr. Maya Angelou. The service is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at Wake Forest University's Wait Chapel.  White House officials said Obama will speak at the memorial, while Wake ...

Maya Angelou, a renowned poet, novelist and actress, has died at age 86, her literary agent, Helen Brann, said Wednesday. She died at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Brann said. Also a professor, singer and dancer, Angelou's work spans several professions. In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded her with the Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honor. One of Angelou's most revered books was "I Know Why the Caged Sings." Writer Julian Mayfield is said to have described the autobiography as "a work of art which eludes description." Angelou spent her early years studying dance and drama in San Francisco but dropped out at age 14, instead becoming the city's first African-American female cable car conductor. Angelou later returned to high school to finish her diploma and gave birth a few   weeks after graduation. While the 17-year-old single mother waited tables to support her son, she acquired a passio...