Culture

An absolute treasure, Maya Angelou has given Black women a voice of strength and beauty. I was first introduced to her work when I recited her poem “Caged Bird” for a poetry contest in high school–a moment that changed who I am and set me on a “healthy” obsession with Black literary figures. “Caged Bird” is a poem that describes the difference between a free bird and caged bird, highlighting how the caged bird sings a notable and powerful song because its voice is all it has while entrapped. While a free bird can enjoy the light of day and the air in its wings, a caged bird can only sing its freedom song. The poem uniquely expressed the difference between freedom and oppression and I remember how deeply the poem moved my spirit as I practiced, perfected my vocal inflections, and added gestures to give it life.