Personal Narrative: Literariani Venue

Humbled I feel so honored. When the committee said, “Maya you're going to receive the Literarian Award this year” I was shocked and humbled. Now that the 23 of November has arrived and I’m here in New York sitting in the Cipriani Venue, it’s only become even more surreal. On the outside of where the awards are being held a sign reads: The 2013 Literarian Awards. The inside of the venue is remarkable and grandiose with large, beautiful columns surrounding the room. The ceiling standing tall with a circular indent right in the center modeled after the Greek style. Black and orange all around the room, contrasting so well that they add a pop to the place. Even the crowd with their low murmurs and gestures create a wonderful atmosphere. As I sit here and
That simple sentence makes laugh. My voice vibrates throughout the room. I can’t believe this woman keeps saying wonderful things about. And she does: “Maya is the most courageous person…” (Book TV: Maya Angelou). Toni’s words remind me that I can’t run away from my past. Even if it’s painful. While Toni continues speaking, I think back to the day that changed everything. While on my trip to visit my mother in St.Louis a horrible thing occurred. Her then boyfriend did an unspeakable thing to me (Angelou Biography). I didn’t know what to do, but I did know that I had to use the courage my grandmother had taught me. I spoke out about what he did to me at a trial (Angelou Biography). What happened afterwards was just as horrible. They killed the man and I blamed myself (Angelou Biography). Afterwards, I choose to never speak again. I couldn’t use my words because they had killed a man. I became mute. I stopped my thoughts. I couldn’t think about that time anymore. I looked back at the stage and heard Toni continuing to introduce me to the crowd and out of all the words she had spoken tonight these one’s were the one’s that resounded in my heart the