Barbara Lee Issues Statement on the Passing of Dr. Maya Angelou

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of a great phenomenal warrior-woman, Dr. Maya Angelou.  I offer my condolences to Dr. Angelou’s friends and family, including her son Guy Johnson who is both a friend and constituent, as they celebrate and mourn her spirit-filled life. 

 

Her vast body of work which spans over six decades as a dancer, actress, author, and activist has stood the test of time. As a leader in the civil rights movement, a poet laureate, a college professor, a Broadway actress, and the first female African American cable car conductor in San Francisco, Maya Angelou was the spirit and conscience of generations. 

 

I will forever cherish the private moments I had the privilege to share with Maya Angelou.   I was shocked several years  ago when Maya called me and told me she wanted to talk and invited me to her beautiful home.  We talked in her living room as sisters, about our lives, our struggles and our passion for improving the human condition.  I confided in her about the many challenges I faced after voting against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force following the 9/11 attacks. I can never repay the encouragement and affirmation she gave me during that trying time as she reminded me that we all embody attributes of scripture’s Proverbs 31, virtuous woman.  And that our worth is far beyond rubies, we speak with wisdom and are clothed with strength and dignity.

 

I was humbled that she insisted I write my autobiography. Once I finally garnered to courage to do so, she invited me to discuss it on her radio show and encouraged me to speed up the release of my paperback edition so that more people, especially young women, could have access to my story.

 

She was passionate about helping young women achieve their fullest potential. Her example of grace, class and humility will continue to inspire young women to define themselves through a lens of self-love, humanitarianism and how they use their talents to change the world.

She lived life to its fullest and shared with the world the essence of a purposeful life.  I will hold her words, “…be certain that you do not die without having done something wonderful for humanity” close to my heart, knowing that she was one of humanity’s greatest gifts.

 

While the world grieves in Dr. Maya Angelou’s passing, we can take comfort in the fact that her words and her legacy live on in generations of people who have been touched, challenged and inspired by her work.  We will miss her tremendously but Dr. Maya Angelou’s legacy and spirit will live on forever.”