Movies For Grownups Free Screening – Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise!

With the popcorn and sodas stacked neatly in rows, AARP sponsored its first Movies For Grownups at the Grandin Theater in Roanoke, Virginia.  Although the movie started at 1:30 PM, AARP members started trickling in the theater at 11:30 AM in hopes of getting a prime seat. Many members were told to come early because the theatre would be filled.

Patricia Broadneaux and Shirley Harris were just two of the members that came early to see Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise! documentary.  Patricia Broadneaux said she loved Maya Angelou and has read most of her books. While Shirley Harris said she came to learn more about the life of Dr. Angelou.

This was the first feature documentary about the life of Dr. Maya Angelou (1928-2014). Dr. Angelou was a singer, actress, dancer, writer and poet.  She is known for her autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” In addition, she was known for her activism before, during and after the Civil Rights Movement.

AARP’s table was laced with information, petitions and a straw poll encouraging members to participate. According to Brian Jacks, AARP Virginia Associate State Director, "This event exceeded our expectations by drawing nearly 300 people to celebrate Black History Month in a Roanoke Landmark.  Maya Angelo's story was inspirational and each guest left the theater with a renewed sense of purpose and meaning."

The free screening was made possible by PBS Blue Ridge, which is scheduled to broadcast the documentary on February 21 ^st at 8:00 P.M.  The movie was co-sponsored by the Grandin Theater, the oldest theater in the Roanoke Valley.

As stated on the Grandin Theater’s webpage, “It’s not just about the movies. It’s about the community. It’s the history. It’s the people. It’s the Grandin Theatre.”  And according to the positive responses to the documentary about Maya Angelou, it was all about her history; it was beautiful; it was uplifting and it was indeed inspiring and educational.