Dr. Angelou, author of the best-selling autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," began her stirring and moving presentation by singing "Hava Nagila," to the delight of the crowd.
Dr. Angelou's presentation contained a recurrent theme of what she called "rainbows in the clouds." She elaborated that, to her, "rainbows" included people who had nurtured and encouraged her. She also suggested this about African American poetry: "In the poetry, the rainbow in the clouds can be found. African American poetry is so beautiful, so cherished...so seldom known." To further illustrate her point, Dr. Angelou recited not only some of her own best-loved poetry ("Weekend Glory;" "7 Women's Blessed Assurance"), but related passages from the works of African American scholars James Weldon Johnson, Langston Hughes and Mari Evans.
Illustrating a point by quoting from Paul Lawrence Dunbar's "Jump Back Honey," Sister Maya did not merely recite it, she performed it, making the rhythmic poem a sassy song all her own. "It is imperative that you re-introduce poetry and romance into your lives," she entreated the audience, "so that you say things to each other of beauty and meaning. Without it, you will be crude...and have license to be cruel."
In a voice that alternated between songs, whispers, and pulpit-like oration, Dr. Angelou encouraged the audience to remember the contributions of their families, including the ancestors: "We have already been bought and paid for by someone who went before us. Those people become the heroes and she-roes...the rainbows. I encourage you to find a rainbow and put the memory of him or her on your shoulders...there are so many people up here [on stage] with me right now!"
Concluding her remarks to her faithful and adoring followers, she said, "You all have rainbows. Only you can see them, but bring them with you when you go to take an examination or when you go see about a job. You will be amazed how invincible you are! If we can think of the rainbow in the clouds, then we know...even in the worst of times...there is hope."
Phenomenal Woman, indeed!