The San Francisco Arts Commission, in partnership with the San Francisco Public Library celebrates the installation of Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman, a new monument honoring Dr. Maya Angelou by artist Lava Thomas. The monument will be located outside the Larkin Street entrance of the Main Library. It will feature a portrait of Dr. Angelou based on a 1973 interview with Bill Moyers, along with the words "Still I Rise" and an inspiring quote about the power of libraries and human connection.

Fabricated in bronze and set atop a basalt base, the monument stands at a total height of nine feet and weighs approximately 6,900 lbs. Lava Thomas hopes the sculpture serves as a beacon for the values that defined Dr. Angelou’s life—courage, faith, justice, and artistic freedom.

Schedule of events:

10–11 a.m.: Community Celebration

11 a.m.–12 p.m.: Unveiling Ceremony & Speaking Program

12 p.m.–2 p.m.: Community Celebration, Performances and Activities - Koret Auditorium

The African-American Shakespeare Company will present From One to Another: Homage to the Legacy of Maya Angelou, a choreopoem directed by Devin A. Cunningham with original composition by DeVante’ Winn. The performance, featuring monologues and poetry inspired by Angelou’s life and works, will tour libraries and community events throughout San Francisco. In addition, Youth Speaks hosted workshops and showcases in early 2024, where local poets created new works in response to Angelou’s legacy and the contributions of Black women and femmes in publishing.