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Peggy TarrHonoring Maya Angelou

Whenever I get change from a purchase, I check the back of quarters to see who or what is being honored.

Maya Angelou Credit: supplies

I was delighted to find a 2022 quarter honoring the African American artist Maya Angelou (1928-2014). Angelou was a poet, author, actor, dancer, screenwriter and civil rights activist.

She won many awards, including the NAACP Image Award and the USA Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Her birth name was Marguerite Annie Johnson.

During adulthood, she chose to be called Maya Angelou, the first name based on the nickname “Maya” given to her by her older brother in childhood, and “Angelou” from the surname of her former husband, Tosh Angelos.

Years ago (more accurately, decades ago), I read the first of her seven autobiographical stories published in 1989 called I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.

There are many of her words of wisdom/sayings that I like, but I chose to share the following from Brainyquotes.com:

  • “Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time.”
  • “My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy.”
  • “If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?”
  • “Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.”

One of my cousins, who is a minister, teacher and social worker, often advises others with her favorite Maya Angelou quote: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

This may be a good quote to also keep in mind when voting.

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