Writing about race is a tricky business. It's especially tricky when you are a black woman. To some degree I always feel forced to make a decision—either write about gender or write about race, you can't do both. Writing about both is daunting and often too difficult to unpack. Sometimes my opinion about an issue as a woman contradicts my opinion as an African-American. Moments when I feel completely overwhelmed by this conflict, I am reminded of Maya Angelou (1928 - 2014.)
Angelou wrote about her experience as a woman and as an African-American. Her groundbreaking autobiography, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, transformed the American literary canon for that reason. It didn't favor gender politics over race. It tackled both, which is something I aspire to do as a black woman and a writer everyday. She also understood the importance of poetry. I am so grateful that she helped me understand that beauty as well.
There aren't very many black female writers that have enjoyed the same measure of fame and success as Maya Angelou, and it breaks my heart that we have lost a great trailblazer. Her influence will ripple throughout history for many years to come. I can't fully express how thankful I am that Angelou paved the way. She helped me overcome my fear of writing about gender and race. In fact, she influenced me to become a writer. She influences me still. Rest in peace.
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