This community + schools initiative is our effort to broaden the perspectives of community learning. We strongly advocate that it takes a village for our children to experience success in learning, and in life. We also believe that “Taking Maya to Arkansas Schools and Communities,” can enhance the understanding and continued relevance of this literary icon.

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The Still I Rise Delta Voices Project seeks partnerships with Arkansas Delta schools and communities to help promote the appreciation and understanding of global icon Maya Angelou, whose roots are in Arkansas, but whose humanity and life lessons are global.

Together, we can help youth imagine the world they seek. Maya Angelou’s iconic “Still I Rise,” philosophy is used as a blueprint for success. Through an immersion in, and discussion of Angelou’s poem, our goal is to show students that success is possible, in spite of the odds. A perfect example:  Angelou’s success in scaling seemingly unreachable heights, and ignoring the boundaries set by others as she continued her life journey.

THIS community + schools initiative is our effort to broaden the perspectives of community learning. We strongly advocate that it takes a village for our children to experience success in learning, and in life. We also believe that “Taking Maya to Arkansas Schools and Communities,” will help youth and adults understand the continued relevance of this literary icon.

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The Still I Rise Delta Voices Project seeks partnerships with Arkansas Delta schools and communities to help promote the appreciation and understanding of global icon Maya Angelou, whose roots are in Arkansas, but whose humanity, teaching and words span the globe. Together, we believe, we can help youth imagine the world they seek. Maya Angelou’s iconic “Still I Rise,” will be used as a blueprint for success throughout this project. Through an immersion in, and discussion of Angelou’s poem, our goal is to show students that success is possible, in spite of their odds; a prime example being Angelou’s success in scaling seemingly unreachable heights, and ignoring the boundaries set by others as she continued her life journey.

Why we're growing Dreams    in the Arkansas Delta

Studies have shown that student populations within the delta regions are likely to be poorer, less educated, and less motivated to finish school, or matriculate from high school to college

Our over-arching focus is youth throughout the state of Arkansas. However, while we address the needs of the youth throughout the state, we believe that our delta regions remain our most “at risk” areas – economically, socially and educationally.

Where there is poverty, there is a scarcity of dreams, and hope. When  youth are exposed to stories and history of men and women whose childhoods are also represented by obstacles, they are more likely to believe, and dream that they, too, can succeed in life.

Partners & Sponsors

William J. Clinton Presidential Center

Arkansas Humanities Council

City of Stamps

AR Literary Festival

Arkansas Arts Council

Arkansas Department of Education

William J. Clinton Birthplace and Museum

The Southeast Arkansas Arts Council

Little Rock School District

OK Project

GEMS Project

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