By Leatrice Ellzy
NASHVILLE, TN — Nashville paid tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou with an evening of readings, reflections and music. The event, Nashville Celebrates Dr. Maya Angelou – Readings and Reflections on a Life Well Lived, was produced by Culture Fest Nashville in partnership with the Nashville Public Library and The Tennessee Tribune.
A testament to how admired Maya Angelou was in this community by people from all walks of life was evident in the diversity of an audience who not only filled the library’s 230-seat auditorium but spilled over into the overflow area as well.
Dr. Angelou’s poetry was the foundation of the evening’s program. Eleven poems, which spanned various moments in her life, were read and performed by poets, actors, journalists, members of the arts community and elected officials. Local scholar Stephanie Pruitt used her time at the podium to place Dr. Angelou’s work in cultural and literary context, while Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones shared reflections on his 25-year relationship with Dr. Angelou. “She was my friend,” he said numerous times during his recounting of moments, both funny and tender, he had spent with the poet.
The evening’s words were interrupted twice by musical performances.
Mikala Mason Jones performed Dionne Farris’ Black Bird and Marci Butler Holt performed Moved By You by India Arie. Holt was asked by Culture Fest Executive Producer, Leatrice Ellzy, to say a few words about the iconic Ruby Dee, who passed away on June 11.
The evening ended with the full cast taking the stage and a closing bow, with a larger than life photos of Maya Angelou and Ruby Dee projected on the screen behind them. Featured readers included Dr. Harriette Bias-Insignares, jeff obafemi carr, Hayley Mason, Council Lady Erica Gilmore, Bridgette Kohnhorst, Council Lady Jacobia Dowell, Tia Mitchell, Jackie Welch, Maryanna Clarke, Sandra Long Weaver and Rashad thaPoet.