Imani MCC of Durham

Along with people, around the world, I am deeply moved by the passing of America’s poet laureate, Dr. Maya Angelou. I am grateful that we live in an age where visual images of her, the sound of her voice, and most importantly, her elegant words and the wealth of wisdom contained therein are preserved and remain easily accessible. Maya Angelou shared her soul with the world and, in so doing, left it better for her having spent time here. I can think of no greater accomplishment to which to aspire than that. In tribute to her, and for your enrichment, I devote the remainder of this space to her words:

“I believe that each of us comes from the Creator trailing wisps of glory.”

“When you get, give. When you learn, teach.”

“Love heals. Heals and liberates.”

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”

I’m not a sports fan. So it takes a big sports story to get my attention; the kind that broke, last week, about Donald Sterling and his racist remarks in a taped conversation that was leaked to the press. The NBA reacted swiftly and severely, banning Sterling from any and all involvement with the league for life – including attendance at games – and calling upon other team owners to invoke their power to force Sterling to sell the team.

So, of course, there has been the usual range of comments about all of this from those who are in complete agreement with the consequences imposed on Sterling to those who see the imposition of consequences as a “violation” of Sterling’s “right to free speech.” They are, I assume, referring to his constitutional right to free speech. That is something I happen to know something about, having taught Constitutional Law at NCCU School of Law for a number of years before entering vocational ministry. So I’m offering a bit of clarification, in case any of you might find it useful.