Transgender Author Toni Newman Interviews Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient Dr. Maya Angelou

June 23, 2012 - PRLog -- Dr. Maya Angelou is definitely a global renaissance woman and a phenomenal woman with an amazing talent. Dr. Maya Angelou Community High School just opened this year  in Los Angeles and Dr. Angelou has just been inducted into the Wake Forest University Hall of Fame for Writers. Additionally, in 2010 President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.

Author Toni Newman said "Dr. Maya Angelou has fought the fight for equal rights and freedom for all, regardless of race, gender, and sexuality. I read her poem "Still I Rise," and I thought she was speaking to my broken spirit and downtrodden soul while I transformed all alone and unloved and almost forgotten. That poem kept my spirit alive when all around me seemed dark and cold. Every person, regardless of gender, needs love and support and encouragement. Through her works, she provided that word of encouragement to me when I needed it the very most. Dr. Angelou's words are powerful and liberating and bring hope when there is no hope."

Transgender Author Toni NewmanI had four questions for Dr. Angelou:
1.You have been a Reynolds Professor, the first, at Wake Forest University since 1981. Wake Forest University is my alma mater, and it's where I originally met you and became acquainted with your wonderful works over 30 years ago. What has it been like for the last three decades being Reynolds Professor at Wake Forest University?

2.Your poem "Still I Rise," published in 1978 by Random House Publishing, was a source of inspiration to me when I was homeless, forgotten, unloved, and unwanted by all those close to me. What inspired you to write your wonderful poem?


3.Your life has been about equal rights and justice for all, regardless of race, sex, or gender. Why is it so difficult in 2012, with the first African-American president, for us to embrace and truly love one another?


4.What words of encouragement can you give to that special young African-American child who feels different, unique, and out of the norm of society?

To Hear the Answers and  Full Interview between Dr. Maya Angelou and Author Toni Newman go to:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/toni-newman/dr-maya-angelou...

The Memoir I Rise-The Transformation of Toni Newman has been adapted into a Feature Film called Heart of a Woman by Alton Demore and British Film Director Keith Holland with Producers Jay Gira and Shahid Manning to be shot late September 2012..  To find out more about the Book I Rise go to http://www.tonidnewman.com.   The Film Heart of a Woman will include all spectrums of the LGBT community and speaks to survival of the Spirit and Overcoming Obstacles against all Odds.  The cast so far Includes Angelica Ross, Daniel Sobieray, Paul Vesci, Alec Malpa, Steve Eastin, Jason Stuart, Melyssa Ford and Serena Lorien.  For more infomation on the Film Heart of a Woman email spiproductions@yahoo.com or call 323.633.6039.