Photo Courtesy of Barnes and Noble
The son of famed poet, author, actress and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, Guy Johnson, passed away at age 77.
Angelou’s verified Twitter account shared this heartbreaking news on Wednesday morning.
“Mr. GUY JOHNSON passed away peacefully at his home this morning in Oakland, CA. Arrangements will be made and announced in the coming days. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time. Thank you for your prayers and words of comfort and strength.”
Fans quickly expressed their sympathy and love for the man on the thread.
In 2013, Guy appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Sundays with his beloved mother.
The talented writer spoke about what it was like to grow up the son of an icon.
“I grew up in her light. Sometimes I wasn’t worthy of it, but it has always been an experience that expanded me. She thinks that the divine hand is in all things. She has faith that’s like a rock — you can stand on it. She speaks to our humanity, and she reminds us that we are both brother and sister to the rest of the human race.”
He added, “Keep on speaking, Ma,” Johnson says. “We need the lessons, the beautiful poems, books, movies, dances, celebrations and love.”
When Angelou spoke of her son, she was equally enamored.
“My greatest blessing has been the birth of my son. My next greatest blessing has been my ability to turn people into children of mine.”
Guy followed in his mother’s footsteps, becoming an accomplished author in his own right. His first book, published in 1998, was titled “Standing At The Scratch Line.”
He graduated from college in Ghana, and though he loved to write, the artistic man was an all-around creative force and world traveler.
The 77-year-old author is survived by his wife and son.