Still I Rise

“You may shoot me with your words, you may

cut me with your eyes,

you may kill me you’re your hatefulness,

but still, like air, I’ll rise”

 

Those where the words spoken by Maya Angelou in the poem, “Still I Rise,” and is included in her book of poetry entitled, “And Still I Rise.”  Over the decades, her gifts as an author, teacher, poet, actor, dancer and singer continues to made a profound impression upon many generations as well as internationally.  During her life time, she wrote seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays, movies and television shows spanning more than 50 plus years.  She received countless awards, over 30 honorary doctoral degrees, worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, James Baldwin, recited her poem “On the Pulse of Morning,” at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993 and in 2011 received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.    

 

She was born in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, however her childhood was quite challenging as she and her brother lived in various places.  Those early years played a pivotal role in her life and future.  In those early years, she learned the hard way; work various menial jobs, all the while trying to develop her talents of singing, dancing and writing.  It was through her gift of writing that she begin to find her place in a complex world and began writing about her childhood and early adult life experiences.  In her first autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” in 1969, she tells of her life up to the age of seventeen.  This book brought her international recognition and acclaim as she wrote about how strength of one’s character and a love of literature can help overcome trauma and racism. 

 

In her book, “And Still I Rise,” which consists of 32 short poems; she uses themes that point to a hopeful determination to rise above difficulty and discouragement. Throughout the book she speaks for her race and gender, and yet again emphasizes the strength and resiliency of her community.  In the poem, “Still I Rise,” she see beyond the actions of others and with a clear understanding that regardless of what is happening, there is always be an opportunity to overcome.  As so, with some much occurring in our communities these days... gun violence, racism, gangs, prejudice, drugs, and poverty... “Still we can Rise”   What do you think?