With a voice that is so soothing and commands an individuals’ full attention, world-renowned poet and author Maya Angelou spoke to a crowd of nearly 6,000 people with songs, poetry, stories and words of wisdom at FAMU as part of the University’s Lyceum Series.During her presentation, Angelou pointed out that she wanted to speak at FAMU because the institution is a “light in the sky, a rainbow in the clouds.” Angelou continued by saying there are many institutions that young people can aspire to attend, but in some places in the country young people think they will never make it to a university.
“Each one of us has been capable of being rainbows in the cloud, and some of us because of institutions called HBCUs,” said Angelou.
Although Angelou said some people could be wiser, hipper, prettier, richer or more educated than others, she stressed that no human being can be more human than another human being.
“When you go into your classrooms do not go in being intimidated by anything that human beings do,” Angelou said.
The famed poet also told students just as they have encountered rainbows in their clouds, they have to be rainbows for others.
“When you get, give,” said Angelou. “When you learn, teach.”
Michael Jefferson, a sophomore at FAMU, said Angelou’s message resonated with him on a very personal level.
“She was absolutely remarkable,” said Jefferson. “To see and hear her first hand validated my life to service others. She emphasized that no one in the world can stop you from anything; that you should never limit yourself. The greatest limitation is the one that you see in the mirror every morning. Her stories about her life, tribulations, pain and progress truly inspired me.”