--- title: "Saluting Our Sisters" url: "https://brookhavenschool.org.uk/blog/2023-10-11-09-00-00-saluting-our-sisters" school: "Brookhaven School" --- # Saluting Our Sisters 11 October 2023 [Awareness Days](https://brookhavenschool.org.uk/blog/category/awareness-days) **We believe that everyone** should have the **opportunity to be successful**. As a school **we pledge** an **unswerving commitment to improve**, **accelerate** and **enable ambitious life goals** for all young people. We want **everyone** in our school to **feel proud of who they are!** This is why we consider **Black History Month** to be an **important time of the year** that should be **celebrated by all.** It **represents** the celebration of the **contributions** that **Black people** have **made over the centuries** in **shaping the world** we inhabit today. In **this year's celebrations**, we pay tribute to the remarkable **contributions Black Women have had in history**. While **we acknowledge** that **numerous Black women** have left a profound **impact on the world** we live in today, we want to share with you a **certain** **woman that inspires us.** ## [**"Maya Angelou"**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Angelou) !["You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise." Date Of Birth: 4th April 1928. Date Of Death: 28th May 2014](https://brookhavenschool.org.uk/images/banners/Copy_of_Blog__Saluting_Our_Sisters.png) For those **who don’t know who Maya Angelou** is, she was a **strong woman** with a **broad career** as a singer, dancer, actress, composer, and Hollywood's **first female Black director**. However, she’s **most known for** being a **writer, editor, civil rights activist, and poet.** As evidenced by her extensive accomplishments, **Maya Angelou achieved much** in her lifetime, but she was **primarily recognised** as a **spokesperson**. Over her lifetime she **received over 50 honorary degrees** **before** her **passing in May 2014.** **Maya Angelou's words** touched the **hearts of countless people**, not only in America but **across the globe.** Her **most popular work,** published in **1969, was the book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."** While this **book is about Angelou's struggles** between the **ages of three and seven,** particularly **in the face of racism and self-affirmation**, it is her **poetry that truly inspires us**, particularly the **poem "Still I Rise."** **“Still I Rise” is about self-respect** and **confidence.** In the poem, **Angelou reveals** how she **will overcome anything** through her self-esteem. She shows how **nothing can get her down**. She will **rise to any occasion** and nothing, **not even her skin colour, will hold her back.** Among Maya's verses in this poem, one in particular inspires us: **"You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise."** We are **massively inspired by this verse** it is truly inspiring, **emphasising how Maya Angelou could not be fazed by hurtful words,** obvious **glances, or spiteful intentions**. It underscores the **importance of self-confidence.** It serves as a reminder that **people's judgments** in various forms – through words, looks, and general spite **shouldn’t knock us** down because at the end of the day, **you are uniquely you, and that's something to cherish.** **No matter what you do. No matter who you are. No matter what you believe. No matter where your from You are you. Love yourself.** We **extend our gratitude to Maya Angelou** for her **contributions** in **shaping the world** to its current state, and **may this remarkable woman rest in peace.** **We hope you find this tribute moving**, and we **invite you to share with us which Black women in history have been your inspiration.** Please **share your thoughts in the comments below!** [Black History Month](https://brookhavenschool.org.uk/blog/tag/black-history-month) [ Brookhaven Construction Plans](https://brookhavenschool.org.uk/blog/2023-02-28-09-15-00-brookhaven-construction-plans) [Section 10 ](https://brookhavenschool.org.uk/blog/2023-10-16-12-00-00-section-10) ### Comments ### Leave a Comment - [![Thrive](https://files.schudio.com/bury-free-school/images/logo/thrive/Thrive_School_Badge.png)](https://www.thriveapproach.com/) [Embedded content](https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2369.7905185401287!2d-2.2744320484452465!3d53.561506866175904!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x487ba54adf6c1a69%3A0xcc47e985d78b6a9a!2sParr%20Ln%2C%20Bury%20BL9%208LP%2C%20UK!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1678185157445!5m2!1sen!2sus) ![Brookhaven School](https://files.schudio.com/bury-free-school/images/logo/shaw-education-trust/Shaw_Education_Trust_-_Single_Colour_Logo_-_010721.png) **Brookhaven School** Parr Lane Bury BL9 8LP Tel: 0161 850 9196 Email: [![Shaw Education Trust](https://files.schudio.com/shaw-education-trust-2/images/logo/set-misc/footer-logo-v1.png)](https://shaw-education.org.uk) **Shaw Education Trust** Kidsgrove Secondary School Gloucester Road Kidsgrove ST7 4DL VAT: GB 358822467 Tel: 01782 948259 Email: Company Number: 09067175 ### Newsletter ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Brookhaven.School.Bury/) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/brookhaven-school-bury/) © Copyright 2023–2026 Brookhaven School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://brookhavenschool.org.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)