Hold those things that tell your history and protect them. During slavery, who was able to read or write or keep anything? The ability to have somebody to tell your story to is so important. It says: 'I was here. I may be sold tomorrow. But you know I was here.'

— Maya Angelou

Human beings love poetry. They don't even know it sometimes... whether they're the songs of Bono, or the songs of Justin Bieber... they're listening to poetry.

— Maya Angelou

I am a Woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal Woman, that's me.

— Maya Angelou

I am convinced that most people do not grow up... We marry and dare to have children and call that growing up. I think what we do is mostly grow old. We carry accumulation of years in our bodies, and on our faces, but generally our real selves, the children inside, are innocent and shy as magnolias.

— Maya Angelou

I am never proud to participate in violence, yet I know that each of us must care enough for ourselves that we can be ready and able to come to our own defense when and wherever needed.

— Maya Angelou

I am overwhelmed by the grace and persistence of my people.

— Maya Angelou

I answer the heroic question, 'Death, where is thy sting?' with 'It is in my heart and mind and memories.

— Maya Angelou

I believe that one can never leave home. I believe that one carries the shadows, the dreams, the fears and the dragons of home under one's skin, at the extreme corners of one's eyes and possibly in the gristle of the earlobe.

— Maya Angelou

I believe that the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity is daring to dare.

— Maya Angelou

I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.

— Maya Angelou