In the News: 'Remembering Maya Angelou's Visit to SUNY Buffalo State'

Famed poet and civil right advocate Maya Angelou passed away Wednesday at the age of 86.

Among her many accomplishments, Angelou may be best remembered for reciting her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at the 1993 inauguration of President Bill Clinton.

"We will be forever grateful for the life and legacy of Maya Angelou, she was an inspiration to people around the world," said Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, '83, via Facebook.

"Angelou made one official visit to Buffalo in 2004 to speak at SUNY Buffalo State's Rockwell Hall," noted Buffalo News arts critic Colin Dabkowski. At Angelou's campus visit, she spoke to a capacity audience about issues of education, diversity through self-expression, and activism. She also had high praise for the vital role that Buffalo State plays in the lives of it students.

"Buffalo State College is a rainbow in the clouds," said Angelou. "…This is a place to graduate from and even make a difference in the world."

Pictured: Maya Angelou speaking at Buffalo State's Rockwell Hall, May 2004