U.S. Mint to issue Maya Angelou Quarter

The Maya Angelou Quarter is the first coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program. Maya Angelou was a celebrated writer, performer, and social activist. She rose to international prominence as an author after the publication of her groundbreaking autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Angelou’s published works of verse, non-fiction, and fiction include more than 30 bestselling titles.

The American Women Quarters Program is a four-year program that celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women to the development and history of our country. Beginning in 2022, and continuing through 2025, the U.S. Mint will issue up to five new reverse designs each year. The obverse of each coin will maintain a likeness of George Washington, but is different from the design used during the previous quarter program.

Look for these quarters in your change. Or shop online and enroll in this groundbreaking program to sign up to receive all four annual installments as they become available. Limited quantities will be produced, so enroll today to ensure you receive a complete collection!

Nine Republicans Reject Naming Post Office After Maya Angelou

Congress held a vote today on the rather mundane subject of renaming a post office, which normally passes with all 381 votes going for the renaming. That was not the case when a vote was held to rename a post office in Winston-Salem, N.C. after the world renowned poet and Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, Maya Angelou.

The measure did pass with 371 votes, but its very telling that a party that claims not to be racist has nine white men voting no on naming a post office after a black woman.

The nine Republicans who voted against naming the post office after Maya Angelou were GOP Reps Mo Brooks of Alabama, Ken Buck of Colorado, Michael Burgess of Texas, Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin, Andy Harris of Maryland, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Alex Mooney of West Virginia, and Steven Palazzo of Mississippi. Rep. Don Young of Alaska voted present.

Rep. Steve Israel, D-Ny., released a statement saying:

"Naming post offices is one of the most benign and bipartisan duties we perform in the House of Representatives, and there is rarely any opposition. That's why I was shocked today as nine Republicans voted against naming a post office after Maya Angelou, indisputably one of our country's greatest poets, authors and civil rights activists. The fact that these nine Members would cast a no vote shows a blatant disrespect and only adds to the damaging actions they've taken this year to reverse progress from long and hard fought civil rights battles."

Maya Angelou's art collection sells for nearly $1.3 million

The art collection of celebrated writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou sold for nearly $1.3 million on Tuesday.

A painted story quilt that hung in Angelou's Harlem home and was commissioned by Oprah Winfrey for Angelou's 61st birthday brought $461,000 at the Swann Galleries sale.

"Maya's Quilt of Life" by African-American artist Faith Ringgold depicts Angelou surrounded by flowers along with excerpts from some of her writings. The acrylic on canvas with a pieced fabric border had a pre-sale estimate of $150,000 to $250,000.

The nearly 50 artworks were consigned to the auction house's African-American Fine Art Department by Angelou's estate.

Read more: Maya Angelou's art collection sells for nearly $1.3 million

Maya Angelou's art collection is headed to NY auction

The art collection of celebrated writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is heading to a New York City auction this month.

Among the highlights of the Sept. 15 Swann Galleries sale is a painted story quilt that hung in Angelou's Harlem home.

It's a work by African-American artist Faith Ringgold titled "Maya's Quilt of Life." It was commissioned by Oprah Winfrey for Angelou's 69th birthday in 1989.

It depicts Angelou surrounded by flowers and excerpts from some of her writings. It's an acrylic on canvas with pieced fabric border that's expected to bring $150,000 to $250,000.

The nearly 50 works are being offered for sale by Angelou's estate. They're expected to fetch $400,000 to $640,000.

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Michelle Obama speech at Maya Angelou Memorial

Here is Michelle Obama's emotional speech at the Maya Angelou Memorial held at wake Forest University on 06/04/14

Maya Angelou reading her poem "Abundant Hope" (2011)

In honor of the late Maya Angelou here is a 2011 recording of her at a ceremony honoring black women civil rights leaders reading her poem titled "Abundant Hope" in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rest in peace Maya we love you and will miss you!

Maya Angelou explains her recent health issue.

American icon and poet Maya Angelou had to back out of a Major League Baseball Civil Rights Game ceremony due to health issues. She left a post on her Facebook page giving an explanation for not being able to attend.

On her Facebook page she posted:

Post by Maya Angelou.

While she does not give any details on what the illness was it is great to read that she is getting better each day.

George Cook AfricanAmericanReports.com