‌ Dwight Carter Maya Angelou

Rochester Institute of Technology will host poet Maya Angelou as part of its commemoration of Women’s History Month. The poet, author, artist and educator will give the keynote address during “An Evening with Maya Angelou” at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 25, in the Gordon Field House and Activity Center at RIT.

The event is free and open to the general public. Registration is required. Doors will open at 2 p.m.

Since her last visit to RIT 16 years ago, Angelou has published numerous books of autobiographical works, written and produced plays, won three Grammy awards and presented soaring poetry for presidents. In February 2011, she was awarded the Presidential Medal Of Freedom by President Barack Obama, the nation's highest civilian honor. It is given to individuals who have made significant contributions “to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

Angelou’s contributions to the national conversation about civil rights, advocacy for women and educational opportunities fit with this year’s theme of Women’s History Month—Women’s Education, Women’s Empowerment. Her story of courage, her experiences in the arts and academia, and within the civil rights movement have served as inspiration to women and men around the world.

“An Evening With Maya Angelou” is sponsored by RIT’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion, the E. Philip Saunders College of Business, the College of Liberal Arts, the Center for Campus Life and the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences, as well as ING Foundation, Iberdrola USA, Canandaigua National Bank and Trust and WDKX.