Videos

President Obama presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 2010 recipients. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian award and recognizes exceptional meritoriou…

President Bill Clinton addressed the nation following his swearing-in during the presidential inauguration ceremony. In his remarks, the president called for Americans to assume greater resp…

On the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Boston, MA, party leaders, former presidential candidates and others spoke about Senator John Kerry’s candidacy and building on the…

The National Book Foundation presented the 2013 National Book Awards at a ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. The Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Lite…

Professor Angelou talked about her autobiographical book, A Song Flung Up to Heaven, that begins at the time of Malcolm X’s assassination. She talked about her life, writing, and teaching, a…

Author and Poet Maya Angelou was interviewed during the 2013 National Book Awards Benefit Dinner and Ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. She received the Literarian Award for …

As part of the prelude to the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation hosted the “Women Who Dare to Dream” luncheo…

Funeral service honoring the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy I. Height was held. Dr. Height, who was chair and president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, di…

Maya Angelou talked about Letter to My Daughter (Random House, 2008). Her first collection of essays in ten years, they range from the personal to the inspirational. She spoke about why she …

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was honored for his peace efforts with a Fulbright Prize for International Understanding. Author and poet Maya Angelou was among the speakers. The ceremon…

Michelle Obama appeared at a rally by the North Carolina Women for Obama, held at the Carolina Theatre in Greensboro, N.C. She was introduced by poet Maya Angelo.

A memorial tribute to syndicated columnist Molly Ivins was held at the New York Society for Ethical Culture. Ms. Ivins died of cancer at the age of 62 on January 31, 2007. The event began wi…

President Bush and three former presidents, national politicians, as well as civil rights and religious leaders paid tribute to the life and memory of Coretta Scott King at a funeral service…

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial along the Tidal Basin near the Lincoln Memorial, participants spoke about the legacy of Reverend King and th…

Following opening ceremonies and an invocation by Archbishop Tutu, host David Brinkley introduced occasional historic film footage, special music, a specially-composed poem, and the speakers…

President Bush and the first lady participated in the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and the opening ceremonies on the Ellipse for the 2005 Pageant of Peace. After holiday remarks b…

Maya Angelou talked about her literary works. She responded to telephone calls, faxes, and electronic mail. Professor Angelou was interviewed remotely while attending the Los Angeles Times F…

Poet and Author Maya Angelou talked about the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on racial identity and culture. Her remarks were part of an annual festival honoring Zora Neale …

Thousands gathered on the national mall to renew their commitment to family solidarity and to advocate a number of causes. In a lengthy speech Mr. Farrakhan spoke about a variety of issues i…

Oprah Winfrey delivered the commencement speech at Salem College. After congratulating the graduating students, she encouraged them to pursue their dreams. Professor Maya Angelou introduced …