Maya Angelou
High Point University, High Point NC
Stephen H. Smith designed and sculpted this life-size bronze sculpture of Maya Angelou to honor the celebrated author, poet, educator, and civil rights activist. Created for High Point University, the interactive seated sculpture invites students and visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with Angelou's enduring message of courage, compassion, and lifelong learning. Through expressive figurative sculpture, Stephen captures both the warmth of her personality and the lasting influence of her voice on American literature and culture.
“As a long-time resident of North Carolina and someone who touched my life personally, Angelou held many of the same values we teach here at HPU, namely, courage, compassion, creativity and community. I encourage my students to apply these principles to their own writing and in their everyday lives.”
— Allison Walker, English instructor at HPU