This girl.
I am a HUGE Maya Angelou fan. I have every single book she has ever written in my library. I was teaching at an HBCU in South Carolina and managed to get the chance to meet her at a speaking event in Atlanta. Coretta Scott King was there too. My sister was my plus one and she was clearly embarrassed because I had some sort of panic attack which wasn’t even something ever had at the time. I was a mess. I couldn’t even approach her but my sister did. I just shook and cried and it was embarrassing. I was devastated when she died.
Now comes Amanda Gorman. It’s like we have a little piece of Maya Angelou back. I remember watching Maya Angelou at the inauguration of Bill Clinton. She wasn’t just the first black American to read a poem at the inauguration. She was the first woman to do so. And as I listened to Amanda Gorman recite her poem, which just like Maya Angelou was written specifically for the inauguration, I could not help but imagine Maya Angelou smiling down from heaven. She’ll be writing a new poem for the Superbowl. WTF? That has to be a first. She gives me hope for the future of this country in a time where we need it so much. And I like that poetry is a thing again.
( I have way more than 28 people I want to celebrate this month, and I got a late start so I am going to go ahead and post this one, if that is okay.)
I have watched this again and again. It is like eating dessert, so rich, so rich. I look forward to reading the book she is working on. Good for the soul.
Oh, TT, reading your post gave me chills (good chills). I have also been a nearly lifelong (since college), worshiper of Maya Angelou. Her poetry grips, shakes my core. One of my most treasured possessions is a 1972 vinyl record of Maya’s poetry. Hearing the magical words reaches the deepest depths. I can completely understand your reaction when meeting Maya- I can picture myself having those exact feelings. For me, it would be like seeing God (whatever your version of that concept). I could feel your post, viscerally. Thank you. And although Amanda has her own voice and soul, I do think that Maya is connected to and in some way speaking through her to all of us. Amen.
I honestly think that was my first ever panic attack. I didn’t know what was happening to me. My sister was embarrassed. It was extremely overwhelming. I was crying and the whole nine yards. And I was young and brave and reckless. And I just sat there and cried, and may have sobbed the whole time. And I used my job as an HBIC to get a really good seat and it was embarrassing. I. JUST. COULD. NOT DEAL. I’m super into to authors back when the NYTimes bestseller list was full for actual authors. I is old. lol.
I may be wrong, but something tells me Maya understood what was happening (if you were in her sight line)- that you were moved at your core/spiritual level by her presence and her words 🙂 Siblings are always going to be embarrassed because we’re so connected and they feel that we are a reflection of them (have had many moments like that with my brother). But I get it- would have been a cringeworthy moment for me too…
This discussion is making me think that whenever this mess is over (pandemic), I’m going to seek out a great poetry reading spot (bar, coffee shop, something). We have some in the city (if the businesses can survive the continued, complete shut downs we’ve had here- they’re dropping like flies and I think our city is going to be a cultural and culinary wasteland that will need rebuilding again- if anybody to open restaurants and bars after all this, but that’s a whole other kettle of fish. Anyway, thanks again for the inspiration- what a great thing to wake up to 🙂
I literally could not take being in her presence. My sister was there just to be around famous people. I am pretty sure that was my first panic attack. I thought I might die. I was so embarrassed. I never got to talk to her I don’t think. I could have but I was busy trying not to die. lol. Seriously. I was on like the second or third row. I. COULD. NOT. DEAL. And I wanted her so sign my books. I was just a hot mess and was supposed to be in the VIP section for college professors. I just COULD NOT get it together. I thought I might throw up. I thought I was going to die. It was SUPER embarrasing.
What a beautiful way to use your platform. Thank you.
I love this girl!! So talented and what a great personality. Her interview with Anderson Cooper was adorable. As I watched her on January 20th (with my jaw dropping) my son came into the room to put a dish in the sink. He’s 19 and has Autism. He knew it was the inauguration and we had watched Biden and Harris sworn in. However, he was mesmerized by Amanda … not only by her beauty but the way she spoke. My son has a difficult time with communicating and it feels like I’m not speaking English with him most times but boy did he stop, stare (admire) and absorb the moment. That doesn’t happen often and it was incredible to see. I loved her poem … beautifully written and spoken. She made me hopeful. ♥️
She’s amazing. I think your son might like to watch a youtube or two of Maya Angelou. I don’t mean to continue to compare the two, but Maya Angelou has that same sense of calm when speaking that he might like. It’s the same strong, confident black woman sort of thing that can be very calming.
You are absolutely right. I loved Maya Angelou as well (although not as much as you ♥️). That’s a great suggestion that I will take. Thank you. And I do understand being so overwhelmed. I had the sage reaction to Ben Vereen. I am a huge fan and actually had dinner with his manager (through friends) who wanted to introduce me and bring me to an event. I couldn’t. The thought of meeting him was way too much for me. So I get it in a way. I didn’t have a panic attack but I knew I would. I don’t regret it because I was able to express my admiration to his manager. Although Pippen was awesome … the role that got me was “chicken George” in Roots and the impact that series had on me was profound. I couldn’t imagine how it was for him to take on that role and still know the racism that existed in the 80’s. I admired that while cast and Alex Haley for writing it and bringing slavery to life for the first time for me.
Pauline? How are his reading skills? I wonder if he would like reading poetry as well as listening to it. Perhaps the cadence also appeals to him and he could try reading some of it out loud for communication practice.
It has been decades since I taught and FULL on confession, poetry wasn’t something I always got as a student so it wasn’t always my favorite thing to teach. (I have weird likes – Dr. Angelou of course, but Robert Burns, some Shakespeare sonnets, and then Shel Silverstein round out the favorites I remember.
Thank you for sharing that about your son, Pauline! I’m not normally a poetry fan, but I was mesmerized by her too. What a fantastic message and presentation!
I know no links here, but I just remembered Maya’s “Amazing Peace”. Technically a Christmas poem, but so spot on and comforting for right now. I just read it again, and will probably now spend much of this winter day revisiting all of Maya’s poetry, another inspiration you’ve passed on, TT- thank you!
I think she’s gorgeous BTW but I am also glad poetry will find it’s way back. And she expresses FEELINGS that are full of hope and love.. YOU GO GIRL and TT, I had panic attacks my entire life starting in my 20’s until 1999 when I started Paxil. Now? None! Those things are exhausting, wondering if they are going to happen are exhausting, preparing for one is exhausting, everything about them is exhausting. I feel like I got my life back after the Paxil kicked in and I only take half the recommended dose.
She’s amazing, and so poised for someone so young.
If this young lady is my future, I have hope.
Such grace & poise – can rewatch again & again.
She was wonderful! I went back and read her poem and read it again and again! Pre-ordered her book but have to wait until it comes out in September.
Hi Gigi, I got you on this. As we now know that having anxiety and having panic disorder are two COMPLETELY different things. Back in the day, it was easily labeled as “Crazy” “mentally unfit” it was a few moons ago (understatement). Back then panic disorder wasn’t even a name or phrase. I remember a huge limo picking us up to go on a daytime talk show. I very young was in audience watching my mom try to explain what it is and what it feels like.
It is undescribable.
I agree, we don’t have time or energy to be guinea pigs.
Beautiful Amanda…in every way…thanks TT.
While I love Maya A. also I never had the pleasure of meeting her.
I did meet my idol Jackie Collins once…and although I didn’t have a full on panic attack, I was super excited to meet her and could barely string a sentence together ?
Jackie didn’t seem to mind though and dazzled me with her Hollywood smile…a day I will never forget ???
Love this pick, T.
I admit, I struggle following spoken word stuff like poetry. (Honestly, I sometimes think I have some sort of auditory processing thing)
But the memories of Dr. Angelou on that wonderful day full of hope and promise were rampant for me. So much so that I will need to go back and read Ms. Gorman’s piece, then listen to her again. I felt her presence too, Tamara.
Back in the few years I was teaching, I had a little commemorative copy of On the Pulse of Morning (Clinton was president when I was teaching. So, you know, when I, a young teacher with not a lot of student debt, could actually afford a down payment on a home.)
I think it disappeared. I hope it was a student that loved it so much they took it home.
OH TAMARA… Did you hear this story?
So, apparently Oprah gifted Dr. Angelou the Chanel coat and gloves that she wore to the Clinton inauguration. Because, Oprah.
When she learned that Amanda Gorman was going to be the Inaugural Poet, she sent her gifts as well. The hoop earrings she was wearing…. and a ring. The ring is a BIRDCAGE RING, to honor Oprah’s friend and mentor of course.
So, I believe she was there too.
Amanda Gorman made the day.
Such a treat for us all and for many years to come.