Maya Angelou is making waves in the Black community even in her death. Such a powerful, authoritative species, yet her magesty is too substantial to fit onto a measurement that’s less than a diameter. Yet, the symbolism is far greater than the size. Her artistry, grace and dignity is felt every time you hear a peice of her work. And now, not only can we carry her in our hearts; but we can put her in ‘our pockets’. Literally.
Earlier this month; the civil rights activist became the first African American woman to appear on the “tails” side of a U.S. coin.
The new quarter is part of the American Women Quarters Program; created to honor 20 notable women in U.S. history with a series of newly designed quarters to be issued by the U.S. Mint between 2022 and 2025. (This year’s additional honorees are Sally Ride; Wilma Mankiller; Nina Otero-Warren, and Anna May Wong.)
The ‘Still I Rise’ poet’s coin was designed by Emily Damstra; an artist and illustrator who has designed more than 40 coins and medals for the U.S. Mint; including the quarter for Anna May Wong; and the Royal Canadian Mint.
“Maya Angelou’s poetry is filled with inspiring imagery,” says Damstra; who prepared by reading Angelou’s autobiography; I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings; and one of her most iconic poems; “Still I Rise.”
“Purple martins are elegant aerial foragers that spend their days swooping and gliding high in the sky,” says Damstra. “I thought this would be a good species to illustrate Dr. Angelou’s poem.”
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A Man Has Gone Viral Impersonating The Late Great Maya Angelou
The viral sensation impersonates the poet sounding exactly like her deep profound voice. But the twist is, he’s impersonating a modern day Maya Angelou, if she were still living and using social media. All in good faith and fun. Rest in power to the unmatched, legendary Maya Angelou.