For the month of June, the Centering on BIPOC Voices book group is meeting via Zoom on Wednesday 6/14 at 6:30 pm. 

The Heart, of a Woman by Maya Angelou, (1981), is our selection. Note the Audible version is an abridged reading by the author with her unforgettable voice.  

Here’s an overview:

In her fourth autobiographical volume, Maya Angelou’s turbulent life breaks wide open with joy as the singer-dancer enters the razzle-dazzle of fabulous New York City. “The Heart of a Woman” is a memoir by Maya Angelou that covers events in her life between 1957 and 1962. The book follows her travels to California, New York City, Cairo, and Ghana as she raises her teenage son, becomes a published author, becomes active in the civil rights movement, and becomes romantically involved with a South African anti-apartheid fighter. One of the most important themes of the book is motherhood, as Angelou continues to raise her son. The book ends with her son leaving for college and Angelou looking forward to newfound independence and freedom. The Heart of a Woman is also filled with unforgettable vignettes of famous characters, from Billie Holiday to Malcolm X. Angelou links the public and private arenas to argue that both are necessary for fostering a more just society. She brings to life an exciting era in American history by paying close attention to the smallest details of the scenes she recounts. Vulnerable, humorous, tough, Maya speaks with an intimate awareness of the heart within all of us. 

Then in July we plan to each give a short review on a book that we have read that is written by a BIPOC writer.  The date for that discussion is on the 12th, again utilizing Zoom beginning at 6:30 pm.

Hope you can plan to join in the discussion.   

If you would like to join us in this discussion, please send an email to BIPOC.books@uutallahasse.org for more information and to receive the ZOOM link.