Medal of Freedom awarded to Dr. Maya Angelou...

On February 15th, President Obama awarded the prestigious Medal of Freedom to 15 recipients at the White House in Washington DC. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor – presented to individuals who have made valuable contributions to the security or national interest of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

"These outstanding honorees come from a broad range of backgrounds and they’ve excelled in a broad range of fields, but all of them have lived extraordinary lives that have inspired us, enriched our culture, and made our country and our world a better place," said President Obama. "I look forward to awarding them this honor…"

Dr. Maya Angelou was one of these extraordinary recipients, along with President George H.W. Bush, investor Warren Buffet, cellist YoYo Ma. An outstanding honor for an inspiring and celebrated woman, she was hailed by President Obama as an author and civil-rights activist who “has inspired countless others who have known injustice and misfortune.”

She is one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time…hailed as a global renaissance woman, a prominent and celebrated author, poet, educator, producer, actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Maya Angelou has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Arts in 2000, the Lincoln Medal in 2008, and has received 3 Grammy awards. She has also received over 30 honorary degrees and is Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

Maya Angelou has served on two presidential committees, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Arts in 2000, the Lincoln Medal in 2008, and has received 3 Grammy Awards. She has received over 30 honorary degrees and is Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

Congratulations to BraveHeart Woman, Dr. Maya Angelou! You are inspiration to us all!!!

In Gratitude...
Linda Kay Holden
New Beginnings Community