Celebrate Maya Project

Just, Thank You, Little Rock, Stamps and Arkansas for making our 2026 celebration of Dr. Maya Angelou's Birthday, a memorable one! From our two performances of the play, "Life Doesn't Frighten Me," by the Metro Theater Company from St. Louis, to our Still We Rise: Spirit of Maya Awards Luncheon at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center. Special thank you to Jacqueline Thompson, and Carl Overly, who worked with me for six months as we planned the Arkansas performances of the Play, based on Maya Angelou's 1993 Poem, "Life Doesn't Frighten Me."

There are so many people to thank. Phyllis Stickney, you are one PHENOMENAL woman. It was such an honor to bestow on you, the 2026 Spirit of Maya Award. It was beautiful getting to know you during our short time together and your luncheon speech was absolutely awesome. I can't wait for your next trip to Arkansas! Thamiah Tutt, CEO and President of the Dr. Maya Angelou Foundation - thank you for being an advocate and a friend. We look forward to working with you and contributing to the upcoming Maya Angelou Centennial; Caylin Johnson, co-president of the Caged Bird Legacy, and granddaughter of the one and only Dr. Maya Angelou, thank you for finding time to join us. We look forward to planning a youth project here in Arkansas around your next visit! Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. Scott, thank you for finding the time - again - in your very busy schedule, to share the morning with us and welcome everyone to our amazing city. Mayor Vivian Flowers, City of Pine Bluff, whose day I am certain was just as busy...thank you so very much for spending part of your day with us, and introducing your friend, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney. To Lena Hayes, who welcomed us to the Clinton Presidential Center with the grace and wisdom that she always brings, we are so grateful for our long relationship and your endearing support. To Charles King, you were eloquent in your tribute to Mrs. Daisy Bates, as always. Thank you for sharing her story with us. And, to the CMP board, I am forever proud and grateful for your commitment to Celebrate! Maya Project.

Thank you, finally, to our sponsors, our friends, our supporters and to those who joined us for the very first time, this year. Unfortunately, it would take up a LOT of space to thank everyone. I will most certainly thank you personally... but please allow me to say thank you to the Arkansas Department of Heritage, and the Black History Commission for making the two performances of "Life Doesn't Frighten Me," a possibility, and the UA - Pulaski Tech: The Center for Humanities and Arts for serving as the Little Rock venue, and the City of Stamps and the Lafayette County School District for all their work to make the Metro Theater Company's visit to Maya Angelou's childhood home, a memorable one. And, to the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site for supporting us in the name of the Little Rock Nine, Daisy Bates and the children of Pulaski County.

Until next year, my friends. If there is a woman you'd like for us to consider for our 2027 Spirit of Maya Award, please share their name and any biographical information with us, at [email protected]

Thank you, Broadway Joe and KOKY for your consistent support of Celebrate! Maya Project - and our work to keep Dr. Maya Angelou’s legacy alive in Arkansas.

This year marks our 12th year since launching in 2014. Twelve years of amazing partnerships with schools and communities who work with us to create literacy, writing, art and history programs for youth.

This year we celebrate Dr. Angelou’s 98th heavenly birthday. In her honor, on Thursday, April 16 at 11:30 am. During this luncheon, we will recognize two women whose lives and works mirror that of Dr. Angelou: Civil rights leader Daisy L. Gatson Bates, and actress-comedienne Phyllis Yvonne Stickney.

In addition to the Luncheon, “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me,” a play for children of all ages, and an adaptation of Maya Angelou’s poem of the same name, will be performed at UA-Pulaski Tech CHARTS, on Saturday, April 11 at 2 pm. A second performance will take place in Stamps, Arkansas at the Lafayette County high school on Sunday, April 12 at 4 PM.

The public is invited to all events. You can purchase tickets to the luncheon, or reserve free tickets to the play by visiting: https//www.celebratemayaproject.org