Maya Angelou Dead At 86, Twitter Users Pay Tribute

Dr. Maya Angelou passed away this week at the age of 86.

The award winning author and civil rights activist was found dead at her home in Winston-Salem North Carolina this morning.

Wake Forest University, where Angelou was set to receive the “Beacon Of Life Award” this weekend, released a statement saying:

“Dr. Angelou was a national treasure whose life and teachings inspired millions around the world, including countless students, faculty, and staff at Wake Forest, where she served as Reynolds Professor of American Studies since 1982. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Angelou’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Maya Angelou became a cultural icon after the release of her book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” in 1970. In addition to being an author, she was also an actor, a director, and a civil rights leader. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 and recited poems at both Bill Clinton and George Bush’s inauguration.

After news of her death spread this morning, Twitter lit up with messages about the late poet.

Maya Angelou Dead At 86: Twitter Pays Tribute To The Cultural Icon

RIP to one of the greatest women this world has ever known. Thank you Maya Angelou for all of the gifts and knowledge you gave us…

— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) May 28, 2014

"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." Maya Angelou – who was utterly amazing.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 28, 2014

We're saddened by the passing of our friend Maya Angelou. Thank you for all you've done, and for all the hugs. http://ift.tt/1kKJizG

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) May 28, 2014

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." – RIP Maya Angelou

— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) May 28, 2014

"I've learned that you shouldn't go thru life w/ a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back." -Maya Angelou

— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 28, 2014

"We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated." RIP Maya Angelou http://ift.tt/1tPverr

— PLNDR (@PLNDR) May 28, 2014

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was one if the best books I've read in life. RIP Maya Angelou. She'll always be a Phenomenal Woman to me.

— NIKKI x LYNETTE (@NikkiLynette) May 28, 2014

RIP Maya Angelou, a phenomenal woman who had an impact on so many lives.

— Team Athlete (@Team_Athlete) May 28, 2014

"I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." – RIP Maya Angelou #fb

— Rolando Cruz (@Rocruz21) May 28, 2014

RIP Maya Angelou. One of the great writers and public intellectuals of our times. An inspiration, a talent, a game-changer in every way.

— Kevin Marshall (@KevinMarshall) May 28, 2014

RIP Maya Angelou, a very influential person in Black History and an outstanding woman. Thank you for all you have done for us <3

— JustLaus (@JustLaLaLaus) May 28, 2014

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." RIP Maya Angelou

— Tyler Oakley (@tyleroakley) May 28, 2014

“Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud.” RIP Maya Angelou.

— Laura Ann (@SoYeahImLaura) May 28, 2014

People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. #quote RIP Maya Angelou

— Boy Meets Girl® (@BoyMeetsGirlusa) May 28, 2014

"Still I Rise"… Prayers 2 the family of the Award-winning author, renowned poet & civil rights activist Dr. Maya Angelou. @etnow

— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) May 28, 2014

RIP Maya Angelou.

via Business 2 Community http://ift.tt/1k2QBTm