Maya Angelou’s poetry is inspirational, she is known to deliver a timeless message, most often of hope; her visit to Bozeman’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on Sept 13th was not at all short on either attribute. Following a crowd pleasing version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by local singer Jeni Fleming and an introduction recognizing her many achievements by MSU President Waded Cruzado the 83 year old Angelou was helped to her seat on the stage and began her message, a message of Rainbows.

“When it looked like the sun wouldn’t shine anymore, God put a rainbow in the clouds.” Angelou said.

“If rain can lower, clouds can lower, and the viewer can’t see the light, but if rain was put right up all the way into the darkness, there’s a posibility of seeing hope.” stamped her message of hope, inspiration and courage.

She encouraged the over 4000 community members, students, volunteers and fans in the audience to have heroes and sheroes, because those heroes and sheroes become our rainbows in the sky. She nudged not only to honor and respect those heroes, or rainbows, but to bring them with you wherever you go – the classroom, the office, every difficult situation. It was clear from her many anecdotes that she loves people, all shapes, sizes, colors, and distinctions, and has no time for poisonous words or pejoratives as she referred to them. “Be courageous, don’t use poison” was her advice.

“When you are asked to do a good thing say yes” Angelou imparted. Go to everyone and get their thoughts and then go to the library and plan it. Her inspiration from reading many books was clear and her affection for public libraries was explicit.

Ms. Angelou ended the night by reading the poem she wrote for the United Nations’ 50th anniversary celebration.

“We are possible, miraculous, true wonders of this world.”

This free lecture at Montana State University was brought to the community by ASMSU, the MSU Leadership Institute, and the Office of the President.