MEMPHIS, TN -
(WMC-TV) – World-renowned poet and author, Dr. Maya Angelou will be in Memphis later this month to speak at the Agape's 2012 HeartLight Celebration. But she is not waiting until her arrival in Memphis to speak with Action News 5.
Kym Clark had the pleasure of speaking with the 84-year-old Presidential Medal of Freedom winner Tuesday afternoon. They spoke about a variety of things, but Kym Clark chose to share their conversation about the most memorable Olympic moments.
There was controversy in London after Serena Williams won the Gold in women's Tennis singles. Her victory dance was played and replayed, tweeted and retweeted around the world. Serena said the steps originated in her hometown of Compton, California. But others call it a "crip dance".
Dr. Maya Angelou said that expression of joy goes back at least 100 years.
"That's a church dance. That's what you do in the Baptist church and the Holiness church. They used to do it and from what I see when I go to church, people still get up and shout and dance in the aisle," said Dr. Maya Angelou. "Wow, no, I wouldn't give that to any gang. No, it belongs to everybody."
And then there's the 16 year old gymnast from Richmond, Virginia who also struck gold and made the history books.
Gabby Douglas is the first African-American gymnast to win the gold in the women's all-around.
"I was very proud. I was very happy for her and all of us," said Dr. Angelou.
You can see Dr. Maya Angelou in person at Agape's Annual HeartLight Celebration on August 25 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.
For tickets and more information about the event, click here.
Copyright 2012 WMC-TV. All rights reserved.