The Passing of an Icon

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the world lost writer and activist Maya Angelou. Her work forced a country to recognize the intersections of race and gender, played out in the life of one extraordinary woman. Her writing will remain with us eternally, as cultural landmarks from a society facing the twin demons of racism and misogyny.

Angelou’s life was filled with extraordinary ups and downs. These struggles gave her work a brutally personal touch, a reminder that the personal is political. She was an inspiration and a role model for millions of women and girls in all communities around the globe.

Maya Angelou’s voice will be missed, but her life and work will never be forgotten.

Contact: Jihane Bergaoui, planner@now.org, 202-628-8669 ext. 115