First 5 California promotes legacy of early learning

First 5 California is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting the importance of education and its impact on one of the most notable African Americans in our history: Maya Angelou. Angelou’s contributions to society are heavily rooted in her eagerness to learn and her encouragement of others to do the same.
   An advocate for children and a renowned poet, Angelou is recognized as one of the great voices of contemporary black literature. She is an accomplished playwright, teacher, historian and bestselling author. What most people do not know about Angelou is that in 1936, at the age of 8, a traumatic experience caused her to become mute for nearly five years.
    Through the support, patience and guidance of a teacher, Angelou overcame her disability and broke her silence. Having made such a strong impact on her early life, it’s no surprise this same teacher introduced Angelou to classic literature and encouraged her to explore her talent as a storyteller.
    Storytelling led Angelou to write the screenplay and compose the score for the movie Georgia, Georgia, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. This made Angelou the first African American woman to have a screenplay filmed. Also, in 1993 she was invited to compose and deliver an original poem at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration, becoming the second poet in U.S. history to do so.
    Realizing the importance of a child’s early learning experiences and the critical role parents, caregivers and teachers play in shaping a child’s life, Angelou teamed up with Winston- Salem University in 1998 to establish the Maya Angelou National Institute for the Improvement of Child and Family Education. The institute’s mission is to promote and strengthen the development of children and families. Currently the institute conducts community outreach, hosts live interactive videoconferences in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, and implements programs like its family literacy initiatives.
    Angelou’s accomplishments demonstrate the power and significance education had on her life. Her influential teachings have helped inspire and sustain a statewide effort in California to help its youngest children.
    First 5 California is a state agency devoted to improving the lives of young children through early education and parental support. It has developed a free parenting resource called the Kit for New Parents, which provides tips and tools including a DVD with parenting advice.
    To order the free kit, call (800) KIDS-025.
    For more information about First 5 California, visit www.first5california.com.