Storied Poet, Author, Educator and Activist Hosts Black History Month Program on WCVE Public Radio

Maya Angelou

On this week’s WCVE Forum, Maya Angelou hosts a one-hour special that goes on a historical trek from the 1950's through the 1990's. Angelou renders a poetic portrait of the day-to-day lives of African Americans during the civil rights era, when artists and activists, musicians and ministers joined hands with people from all walks of life to bring about a historic change in our culture.

Program highlights include:

• Congressman John Lewis shares some of his experiences during the Freedom Rides of 1961 and the civil rights era.
• Nikky Finney, winner of the 2011 National Book Award for Poetry, discusses her critically acclaimed acceptance speech and shares stories of growing up in a civil rights family, as she talks about how her work was impacted by the era. 
• Singer and songwriter Mary J. Blige, who will play Nina Simone in an upcoming film, discusses her five year preparation for the role aimed at encouraging and educating a new generation on the life and times of the singer and civil rights activist.
• Economist and Bennett College President Julianne Malveaux discusses the impact of the Civil Rights movement on education, economics and how knowledge has begun to translate into a new  prosperity with continued challenges.
• Ambassador Andrew Young talks about his relationship with Martin Luther King and the fight for equality during a time when separate but equal was not enough.

Throughout this hour-long trek through our nation’s history, Angelou offers a historical and personal perspective. Additional interview excerpts will be continually released on the website mayaangelouonpublicradio.com throughout the month of February as well as links to the guests websites and photos from the civil rights era.

Join WCVE Public Radio Sunday, February 12 at 6:00 p.m. for WCVE Forum