GAYLETTER

While it silently pains me to admit I am widely unfamiliar with the majority of Maya Angelou’s work, I do remember the first time I was introduced to her in high school. My religion teacher played a video of Angelou reciting her poem, “Still I Rise.” Needless to say it was a religious experience. Angelou’s articulation of thought and commanding composure was something I had never heard or seen before, and throughout her fruitful career she told her own story, boldly, brilliantly and proudly.

“Maya Angelou: author, actress, singer, poet, director, activist. Winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, multiple Grammy awards, a National Book Award finalist, and a Presidential Inaugural poet, but remarkably, she has never been the subject of her own biographical film, until now.” The documentary is asking for your help to make sure her story — which features commentators such as Common and Oprah — is aired on PBS in 2016. “This is a documentary for those who miss Dr. Angelou’s voice, and for future generations who need to hear her impactful words. Help us memorialize Dr. Angelou — her work, her life, her legacy.”

The world is rarely gifted a person who is able to span and master multiple mediums. Angelou was most certainly one of them. Let’s make sure her story gets told and back the project!