Rochester’s literary community fondly remembers Maya Angelou. The 86 year-old acclaimed writer died Wednesday.
Maya Angelou’s work touched many people who wouldn’t otherwise read poetry, says University of Rochester Associate Professor of English and African American Studies Jeffrey Tucker.
“It's a loss that is going to be felt not only among scholars of African American Literature, but the general public as well,” Tucker told WXXI.
Angelou’s writing addressed issues of racial and gender inequality.
Kristen Zory King, director of Strategic Initiatives at Writers and Books, says the poet laureate inspired many generations of writers. King notes Angelou’s work has universal appeal.
“A lot of her work speaks to overcoming challenges, and that can speak to anyone. Absolutely, anyone,” said King. “It completely transcends boundaries, which is why she has touched so many people and why she will be so missed.”
The author of the memoire, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, has visited Rochester, but an appearance scheduled at RIT last year had to be canceled when Angelou was hospitalized.