PHENOMENAL WOMAN

by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips
The stride of my steps
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please
And to a man
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees
Then they swarm around me
A hive of honey bees.
I say
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth
The swing of my waist
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say
It's in the arch of my back
The sun of my smile
The ride of my breasts
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say
It's in the click of my heels
The bend of my hair
The palm of my hand
The need for my care.
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

About Us‎ > ‎

Mission Statement

 

 

1.    To expand the members’ literary experience by:

a.    Reading quality works written about or by African Americans

b.    Reading a selection of titles that vary in genre from; new and classic fiction, mystery, inspirational, romance, and autobiographies/biographies

c.    To introduce members to new authors and continue reading works by older authors

 

2.   To encourage responsible writing and publishing of literature written by and about African Americans

a.    Providing book reviews and letters of encouragement to authors and publishers

b.    Supporting literary events and author book signings

 

3.   To provide an open forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions by having monthly book discussions. 

 

4.   To expose the African American community to literature written by and about African Americans by telling people about books the group has discussed in person, on our website, and at our monthly book discussions.

 

5.   To expose members’ to new authors and different genres including:

·        Anthologies-a collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works by different authors.

·        New author-Any fiction or non-fiction work by a previously unpublished writer.

·        Novel-an invented prose narrative that is usually long and complex and deals especially with the human experience through a connected sequence of events. Fiction

·        Autobiographical/Biographical-the biography of a person narrated by himself or someone else.  Non-fiction

·        Classic-A fiction or non-fiction work of enduring excellence at least 20 years old.

·        Short Story Collection-a collection of short fiction by the same author.

·        Social Commentary/Cultural Criticism-A work of non-fiction addressing social and cultural issues of interest to people of African descent.

·        Romance-A tale of love.  Fiction

·        Inspirational/Motivational-books that help the reader find meaningful points in their life that can flourish into true self worth and high esteem and motivate, illuminate and bring joy.  Non-fiction

·        Historical-A fiction or non-fiction work based on a historical event or a period of history.

·        Mystery-A piece of fiction dealing with the solution of a mysterious crime or event.

 

6.    Commit to performing community service that will help and educate women and children in our community and world.