It is with great sadness that I report the passing of  renowned Author and Poet Maya Angelou. She was 86.

The “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” author was set to receive the “Beacon of Light” Award at the Major League Baseball Civil Rights Game ceremony in just two days. Her doctors advised her not to travel because of her “unexpected medical emergency.”

This would have been one of many recognitions for Dr. Angelou as she has received dozens of awards and over thirty honorary doctoral degrees in her lifetime. She has published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than fifty years. Angelou is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences.

The best advice Dr. Maya Angelou has ever given.

Five quotes from Dr. Angelou:

• I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

• If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.

• Nothing will work unless you do.

• When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.

• I’m a woman. Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

And that she is. Rest in Peace Dr. Maya Angelou, a Phenomenal woman.