Due to public health concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, the Garden party will not take place in person this year. Last year's Garden Party programming was transformed into a a pre-recorded podcast by Daniel Oberti and can be accessed here: https://wakedowntown.wfu.edu/community/maya-angelou-garden-party/

While we are disheartened by the inability to gather in-person yet again, we'd like to add a visual element to this year's celebration of Dr. Maya Angelou's incredible legacy for a deeper virtual experience. We hope that this video can become a true community-wide tribute to honor Dr. Angelou through spoken word, artwork, video clips, and poetry.

Filming will take place until May 10th, predominantly at Bailey Park. It is preferred that spoken word, poetry-reading, story-telling, and other performing arts will take place at Bailey Park unless you are situated at a site that is unique to your organization, work, or tribute or, if there are health or safety concerns, video can be submitted. For the presentation of archival materials, artwork/galleries, and other visual installations, we will visit your site for filming. All selected applicants will be contacted to discuss filming logistics based on individual situations!

In order to add a conversational element to this event, we would like to host a virtual post-party panel discussion with some of the speakers and performers from the mini-documentary. Participation in this portion is completely voluntary.

If you would like to participate in this year's Maya Angelou Garden Party Video, please fill out the participation form below at your earliest convenience. This year's Wake Downtown Fellow, Yassmin Shaltout (shalyh16@wfu.edu), will follow up with you shortly after your submission. If you have questions or concerns, please feel empowered to reach out to her.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and participation during this time, and hope to honor Dr. Angelou with this new form of the Garden Party!