In 1993, when Maya Angelou recited her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton, she became the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961.

This was a pivotal moment in Angelou’s career. (The poem even received a Grammy.)

Her previous works, including her first of seven autobiographies, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, soared in popularity and her ability to inspire significantly increased in audience.

Many know Angelou for her powerful quotes, but her writing is best known for its strong, clear voice, as well as for its substance and poetic prose style.

Watch her recite Clinton’s inaugural poem and be re-introduced to generations to come.

And to the woman who incomparably placed the depths of the human experience into glorious words, who both uplifts and empowers while encouraging streams of quiet, understanding tears: Thank you.

“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.” 

~Maya Angelou

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Editor: Travis May

Photo: YouTube still