28. Daytona Mayor Derrick Henry recognizes passing of poet Maya Angelou

At left is the final tweet of author and civil rights activist Maya Angelou a couple of days before her death May 28, 2014. She was remembered locally by Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry who said he twice met her, describing her as an 'American literary icon.'

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Mayor Derrick Henry paid homage to American poet Maya Angelou who passed away at the age of 86.

"I can't think of an American literary icon that I have adored more," said Henry of Mayou, who died earlier in the day. "I am thankful for having been exposed to her gracious spirit and enormous personality. I have had the pleasure of reading all of her books."

The first-term mayor elected in 2012 said he twice met Angelou and had dinner with her and on each occasion "found her to be as gracious, awe inspiring, charming, and unforgettable as her writings."

Henry added, "I feel blessed to have encountered her and sorry that the world has to grieve such a loss. I really admired her for her humility, humor and common sense."

The mayor wrote on his Facebook page of Maya Angelou, "Earth has given way to heaven as it embraces an Angel that we called Maya."

The original story, "Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry pays homage to poet Maya Angelou" garnered Headline Surfer® an award minority reporting in the 2014 Florida Press Club journalism contest. It was among 9 stories in three categories that the internet newspaper  was recognized for.

Mayor Henry's reflection on the passing of poet Maya Angelou comes in at No. 28 in the HeadlineSurfer.com countdown of the top 100 stories of 2014.

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