Maya Angelou is speaking at an event sponsored by our local hospital system in May. The event is called, "Flourish". After 5 or 6 emails inviting physicians to lead break out sessions at the event, I decided it was something I would like to do. I emailed the appropriate person and told her I would like to lead a session on "Nurturing Your Creativity". I got a prompt reply that they would make final decision about presenters in April. In other words: thanks but no thanks.
I would like to think I'm a good speaker. I've been speaking in public since running for class president in 5th grade. I've been asked to speak at awards banquets and graduation ceremonies. I give almost daily lectures at my house although I'm not sure anyone is actually listening to those.
My father was a gifted speaker. He could captivate an audience of 2 or 20 or 200. He had an extensive vocabulary and loved to tell a good story. I believe all of his children inherited that trait. He was charismatic and engaging. He was dark and handsome and had a mega watt smile that could light up the room.
My father died when I was 14. He and my mother separated when I was 7 or 8. Most of my memories of him are sparce and fleeting. I remember him most with people gathered around. He and my mother owned a restaurant and I remember him talking to customers as they paid their bill or the whole dining room captivated by something he was telling. I remember him speaking at church. His words have left me. His confidence and charisma are what I remember the most. He loved to connect with people. He had friends from all over the world. That is how I remember my dad.
The most inspirational speech I ever heard was given by Billy Mills. Billy Mills won Olympic Gold in 1964 in the 10,000 meter run. The second Native American to win Gold. I heard his speech at an Indian Youth Conference in Tempe, Arizona. He spoke about living clean and proud, about chasing your dream and not giving up on yourself. At the end of his speech he told us all to be ready when our opportunity came. Behind him on a movie screen played the actual footage of him winning his Olympic Gold medal 20 years before. The crowd stood and cheered. Roared really. It was awesome.
I have heard Maya Angelou speak before. As a student at Appalachian State University in the fall of 1990. I was running on campus and passed my best friend Kim Cole and her English class. They were going to convocation and she said I should come too. I did not know who Maya Angelou was. I didn't even know what convocation was. I just wanted to hang out with Kim Cole.
I don't remember the words of Dr. Angelou. I have thought about googling it. I do remember her passion. I remember students standing to cheer at her words of inspiration. On the bleachers in Varsity Gym I saw nerds and athletes, hippies and frat boys, students and professors rise and cheer as one. Looking toward the future and all the good we were going to bring to the world around us.
I am looking forward to Flourish. I'll be an active participant in the audience. I hope to be inspired again. I hope to remember the words that are said. Mention my name when you buy your tickets. I might get in for free. My ongoing lecture series will continue at home.
