“Literature has lost one of its greatest voices, the civil rights movement has lost one of its staunchest activists, and the world has lost a woman whose fierce compassion will shape our lives for generations to come ... the best way to honor her memory is to continue her work ... let us work together to advance her dream of a more fair and peaceful world.”
—Mayor Bill de Blasio
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on May 14, 2014 in Tarrytown, New York. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
“Dr. Angelou always considered New York City—especially Harlem—to be her second home. That is why we in New York state are so honored to have her personal papers housed at Harlem’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I send my condolences to her loved ones.”
—Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Congressman Charles Rangel in Harlem, New York, on March 12, 2014. (Dai Bing/Epoch Times)
“I remember with great pride and joy when she was selected to read her poem at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993. The nation was moved with the poignancy of her words as she offered a renewed hope in mankind and stressed the links between all people.”
—Congressman Charles B. Rangel
New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on May 27, 2014 in New York City. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
“She will be remembered as a dedicated activist, a passionate educator, a beacon of hope, and a symbol of peace. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to her family and the countless individuals she left an impression on throughout her life.”
—Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman
Comptroller Scott Stringer in Queens, New York on May 20, 2014. (Samira Bouaou/Epoch Times)
“From the moment Maya was born on April 4, 1928, she defied simple description. A high school dropout, Maya grew up to become a San Francisco street car conductor, cook, writer, dancer, newspaper editor, single mother, actress, composer, and Hollywood’s first female black director. Affectionately nicknamed Dr. Angelou, she never went to college but was awarded more than 30 honorary degrees from colleges and taught American studies for years at Wake Forest University.”
—NYC Comptroller Scott M. Stringer
