Terry a O`Neal, Sacramento Poet writes a letter to the Wisconsin School Board re - Maya Angelou`s autobiography
Released on = November 29, 2006, 3:31 pm
Press Release Author = Motion Publications
Industry = Education
Press Release Summary = SACRAMENTO, CA- Sacramento Poet Terry a O\'Neal, writes a letter to the Wisconsin School Board Committee regarding the removal of U.S. poet laureate Maya Angelou\'s autobiography \"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings\" from the high school curriculum.
Press Release Body = SOME WISCONSIN PARENTS WANT MAYA ANGELOU\'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY OUT OF CLASS
Stories are either fact or fiction, and even fiction stories entail a great deal of truth. A story that in non-fiction, tells an account or representation of a subject which is presented as fact. In the case of Angelou\'s biography, \"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,\" happens to tell, as Merwin said, \"her own account of growing up. It has a number of attributes, and it\'s a historically relevant story about a black woman growing up in the United States.\"
In the nineteen-century, many black women were raped and sold as breeders. This is our history, whether people want to accept it or not. You may be able to remove it from the schools but \"truth\" cannot and will not be erased from existence?just like slavery and racism.
\"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,\" is an American Classic narrative of a young, black girls struggle; growing up in the south with enormous odds against her. Not only is the saga a poignant one, but it\'s a story of strength and endurance?it\'s inspirational to see Angelou\'s journey through life and how she has overcome obstacles, is truly amazing.
Maya Angelou is one of the greatest voices in African American literature. She is a legend, and there\'s absolutely nothing that anyone can do to change it!
We can pick and choose our own battles but we can\'t pick and choose \"our history.\"
Sincerely, Terry a O\'Neal, Author, Poet, and Educator
2025
