Maya Angelou tribute updated

Redoing post on the tribute to Maya Angelou to include a letter we've written (under poster) I will also include another YouTube clip, a poem called "The Mask", which I think is very beautiful. We all wear "masks" - perhaps some social or ethnic groups more than others and for different reasons. It's an interesting topic for a conversation class, especially towards the beginning, when we are introducing ourselves and getting to know each other.

Anyway, first the information and then the links to the video clips and poem.

Dear Friends:

We’re excited to invite you all to a celebration of the life and work of the late Maya Angelou that we will be presenting in collaboration with Casa de América. It will take place on Monday evening, June 30th, at 7:30 pm and you are welcome to let anyone know who may also be interested in attending.  This is the first time that Democrats Abroad have had an opportunity to associate with the Casa de América,  please make every effort to enjoy this new experience.  The entrance is free.

Maya Angelou, over the course of a career that spanned six decades, was someone whose art and activism left an indelible mark on both America and the world. The channels that she used to enact change and create joy are almost too numerous to count: she was at various times a poet, author, film director and producer, journalist, dancer, lecturer, and above all a consummate humanist. Maya’s contributions to the US Civil Rights movement and feminist movement, in addition to myriad other causes, were invaluable to our progress both as a society and as individuals. While her accomplishments and honors are too numerous to list, she may be best remembered for helping to shape our national consciousness and direct our common moral compass towards empathy.

We will be paying tribute to this amazing woman through a multimedia presentation that will include readings of her poetry and prose, music, film of Maya herself, and commentary by two recognized experts in contemporary American literature. It will be great fun with a little Blues and Gospel music added for your pleasure.

We hope many of you will be able to join us at Casa de América in Plaza de Cibeles this coming Monday evening!

Regards,

Jim, Nicole and Kate

THE MASK  words and video clip   CLICK HERE

Questions
- Who inspired Maya Angelou to write this poem? 
 - Where did she see this person? 
- What did Maya always observe her doing?
- What did she think one day?
- What kind of jobs force people to wear a mask, according to Maya?
- What social and ethnic or racial groups typical work in these jobs? 
- What does the daughter of the family the woman works for call her?
- Through what art form have African Americans expressed their inner sadness?


And I Still I Rise (perhaps her most famous poem)

CLICK HERE