Remembering Maya Angelou

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Warin in 1977, 1996, Alex Haley, Down In The Delta, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Literature, Maya Angelou, Roots.

From thesource.com

She was a poet, an author, a dancer, a newspaper editor, a college professor and an American icon. Maya Angelou passed away last week and she leaves us as one of the most accomplished writers and titans of literature of her time.

Her book, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, was an autobiographical feature that touched the heart of millions. In addition to her literary works, Maya Angelou also left behind a film legacy. According to her biography website, she appeared in Alex Haley’s “Roots” in 1977 and John Singleton’s “Poetic Justice” in 1993. She directed her first feature film “Down In The Delta” in 1996. Dr. Angelou will certainly be missed.

Happy Birthday Zora Neale Hurston

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Warin in Eatonville, Harlem, Legacy, Literature, Zora Neale Hurston.

I first heard about Zora Neale Hurston while taking an African American literature class back in college, and since that time have grown only more enamored with her work. Hurston was born in 1891 and spent much of her early years living in Eatonville, Florida, before departing for New York where she would become one of the more well known figures of the Harlem Renaissance Movement. Below is a short video biography of Hurston and an audio clip of Hurston’s life narrated by Vanessa Williams.

http://servicesaetn-a.akamaihd.net/pservice/embed-player/?siteId=bio&tPid=15039555667

Remembering a Literary Giant

Posted on August 4, 2013 by Warin in 89, Books, Civil Rights, Harlem, Literature, Poems, The Price of the Ticket.

James Baldwin is remembered not only as a literary giant, but a man whose words helped advance the cause for social justice within the United States. Baldwin — who would’ve been 89 this past Friday — was remembered by a number of people for being one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His literature continues to live on however, and his life, memory, and influence, will not soon be forgotten.