For 30 years Dr. Maya Angelou inspired generations of Wake Forest students to become better writers, thinkers and citizens. She frequently enjoyed Garden Parties with friends and family in her own backyard, and Bailey Park serves as a wonderful location to celebrate her 92nd birthday, uniting natural beauty with the vibrant cultural and arts community in downtown Winston-Salem. We use this event to celebrate community, storytelling, art and the spirit of one of the most influential artists, poets, and voices of our time, the incomparable Dr. Maya Angelou.

Each year this event is free and open to both the Public & Wake Forest Communities, with poetry slam and spoken word performances on display to honor Dr. Angelou’s literary legacy. Food, music and lawn games are also part of the celebration, and members of the Angelou family will be in attendance.