SAN FRANCISCO – In a collective act of remembrance, San Francisco Public Library is hosting a gathering at the Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman monument on the Larkin Street steps of the Main Library on Friday, October 3, at 12 p.m. to honor the voices of women who refused to be silenced. The event will feature a reading of Dr. Maya Angelou's work and a flower ceremony.

Attendees will hear remarks from artist Lava Thomas, the monument’s designer, as well as opening remarks by Dr. Gina Fromer, President and CEO of Glide. The event will include readings from selections of Dr. Angelou's poetry and interviews, including some of her most famous and moving works, “Human Family” and “On the Pulse of the Morning”.

“The values that Dr. Angelou embodied—courage, justice, integrity and perseverance—are needed now, more than ever,” said Lava Thomas. 

During the ceremony, participants are invited to share wishes for a future that embraces the values exemplified by Dr. Angelou. These wishes will be tied to carnations and placed at the foot of the monument. Following the ceremony, the flowers will be displayed in the African American Center.

“Dr. Maya Angelou continued telling her story despite those who have tried and continue to ban her words,” said Shawna Sherman, manager of the African American Center. “As we prepare to celebrate Banned Books Week, we are activating the Phenomenal Woman monument in her honor as a call for the continued telling and retelling of African American history.”

The nine-foot bronze Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman honors Dr. Maya Angelou and features the words “Still I Rise” on one side and an inspiring quote about the power of libraries and human connection on the other. Installed in the fall of 2024, it is the first public monument in San Francisco's civic art collection to honor a Black woman.

Phenomenal Women – Oct. 3, 12 p.m., Main Library, Larkin St. Plaza

This event is part of Nexus: SF/Bay Area Black Art Week.