#paulldunbar

[queenbeehairline]

Paul Laurence Dunbar (poem) and Maya Angelou (autobiography), wrote their pieces separately; however, they will forever be intertwined. Folks often mixup the titles and works. Dunbar’s poem, “Sympathy”—published in 1899, is often referred to as “Caged Bird”. Maya Angelou, after reading “Sympathy”, years before writing her novel—connected with the “caged bird”, and its symbolism. So much so, that she took a line from Dunbar’s “Sympathy”, and entitled her autobiography: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, published in 1969. As shared before, I know what it feels like to either lose—or, not have a voice. I’ll never, ever allow anyone to squeeze me into a place where I am mute—voiceless. I will walk away 👣👣👣👣👣 #ExitStageLeft #LevelUp, before I allow people, placed, or things to squelch my voice. Folks fought too hard for me to have one: one on a cross; and, others in the “movement”. Thank you to both Dunbar and Angelou for sharing the beauty of your pained voices; and, for refusing to be silent—or, silenced. Salute. “I know why the caged bird sings, ah me!” (Dunbar). 🗣#CanYouHearMeNow? #PaulLDunbar #MayaAngelou #Sympathy #CagedBird https://www.instagram.com/p/B8eVA4VB5kpAw59LSlhp7g-UW3q_I34yL4yJ9Y0/?igshid=19kevjkp4xxdb

[beautyondebayou]

My mother's 50th year High School class reunion made the paper in Washington, LA. #TheyLookGood #SeniorStuntin #PaulLDunbar