Maya Angelou, a renowned poet, novelist, civil rights leader and actress whose work defied description under a simple label, has died, her publicist, Helen Brann, said Thursday.
She died at her home in Winston-Salem, N.C., Brann said.
A professor, singer and dancer, among other things, Angelou’s work spans different professions. She spent her early years studying dance and drama in San Francisco, California.
After dropping out at age 14, she become the city’s first African-American female cable car conductor.
Ms. Angelou’s illness prevented her from physically participating in a scheduled lesbian leadership cruise with Olivia Cruises back in February this year, however she did appear via Skype for the all lesbian audience on the cruise, appearing frail and delivering great message of support for the lesbian community and LGBT equality. Not a lesbian, but a true civil rights leader who provided her celebrate status to being an ally.
May she rest in peace.
O-blog-dee-o-blog-da 
Oh Maya!
How much you gave will never be appreciated!
The person you were, the woman you will always be…never appreciated for it’s honesty.
I love & miss you,
I love you , Maya….so sad….. 😦
Reblogged this on JerBear's Queer World News, Views & More From The City Different – Santa Fe, NM and commented:
What a huge loss to humanity. An amazing voice for justice – her writings live on…