Quotes: Maya Angelou's Words Echoed on Twitter in Touching Tributes

Maya Angelou, the oft-quoted poet, professor, and civil rights leader, died Wednesday at the age of 86, sparking an outpouring of remembrances and tributes on Twitter.

The New York Times reported that her landmark 1969 book, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," was "among the first autobiographies by a 20th-century black woman to reach a wide general readership" and described her childhood in the Jim Crow south. 

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The world seemed to stand still after the news of her death broke, with thousands taking time celebrate her memory and speak out about the enormous impact she’s had on her country. Students of her work, celebrities, politicians, organizations, and more commented on their personal experiences with Angelou and her work, and many used social media to lift up Angelou's voice by quoting her directly.

RIP Maya Angelou. Such a gifted and brilliant woman. pic.twitter.com/50QD9RGeEr

— The Canadian (@Canadagentleman) May 28, 2014

In words, she was a poet. In person, she was a pioneer. In humanity, she was the best we had. In peace, rest, Maya Angelou.

— Geoffrey Rickly (@GeoffRickly) May 28, 2014

Bless all the English teachers who had the patience enough to force me to read Maya Angelou when I was too dumb to know I should

— Ben Jacobs (@benhjacobs) May 28, 2014

"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." Maya Angelou - who was utterly amazing.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 28, 2014

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." -- Maya Angelou

— People magazine (@peoplemag) May 28, 2014

"We encounter many defeats, but we must never be defeated." #MayaAngelou: Thank you for illuminating our world. RIP. Your light shines on.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) May 28, 2014

Maya Angelou is my hero. She gave me courage to love myself and others. Her life was a gift to so many.

— America Ferrera (@AmericaFerrera) May 28, 2014

"I've learned that you shouldn't go thru life w/ a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back." -Maya Angelou

— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 28, 2014

Maya Angelou has passed away. She was a great light in the world. I feel honored to live in a world she influenced and touched so deeply.

— Cyndi Lauper (@cyndilauper) May 28, 2014

Saddened by the news of Maya Angelou's passing. A brilliant woman who contributed so much to the world. Her light will be sorely missed.

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) May 28, 2014

Another Brick from our foundation has left the building but Not our Hearts. Ms. "Maya Angelou" Dead at 86. Words... http://t.co/lCX6iW7GtK

— Bootsy Collins (@Bootsy_Collins) May 28, 2014

Photo: shortformblog: Maya Angelou’s fitting final tweet. http://t.co/BTF4smhL9h

— Tim Eigo (@azatty) May 28, 2014

Watch Maya Angelou read "On the Pulse of Morning" at Bill Clinton's 1993 inauguration: http://t.co/m9g61WLQYH

— New York Magazine (@NYMag) May 28, 2014

"I know for sure that love saves me and that it is here to save us all". Let these 17 Maya Angelou quotes inspire you http://t.co/5dAUpJgAoV

— NY Public Library (@nypl) May 28, 2014

We're saddened by the passing of our friend Maya Angelou. Thank you for all you've done, and for all the hugs. pic.twitter.com/kmLCN59Uef

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) May 28, 2014

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