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After the laughs, the tears, the songs, the dances, and tribute after heartfelt tribute, it was at last time to hear from the lady of the hour.

"My intention was to come out here and say one poem and get off the stage," said legendary poet, actress, scholar and civil rights figure Maya Angelou, as she greeted a mesmerized Atlanta crowd Sunday night. To their delight, Angelou spoke not only poetry but shared stories and social commentary with her trademark blend of spunky humor and regal grace.

Jessica McGowan/AJC (ENLARGE)
Poet Maya Angelou arrives on the red carpet at the Woodruff Arts Center for the birthday benefit in her honor.
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"I've never seen a book say to a person, no, no, you're black. You can't touch me," she said. "I've never seen a poem say, no, no, you're Asian, I don't like you. You're gay, you can't use me."

The birthday tribute to Angelou, who turned 80 last month, benefited the Maya Angelou Teen Center at the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA in southwest Atlanta and drew a large and prominent crowd to the Woodruff Arts Center.

The Rev. Bernice King, daughter of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, talked about the special relationship Angelou and her mother shared.

"My father was tragically assassinated on Auntie Maya's birthday," King said. That cruel coincidence began a long-standing tradition where the women sent each other flowers on that day. During Coretta King's final illness, Angelou sent flowers once a week, King said.

Before the event, stars walked a red carpet on their way to the celebration.

"She's a phenomenal writer with an inner spirit of insight and resilience," said rapper T.I. "Whatever I can do to support Maya Angelou in her effort to inspire the youth of America, it's an honor and a pleasure."

Music industry icon Quincy Jones said Angelou is "a 360-degree lady. She's fearless. She's a fighter."

Sunday's event featured dance and vocal performances, remarks from dignitaries such as Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and former Mayor Andrew Young.

Actress Nicole Ari Parker's voice trembled and she had to pause to stifle tears during her remarks. Country singer Daron Norwood left the stage and placed his cowboy hat atop a delighted Angelou's head during one of his songs.

Actor and director Tyler Perry even had the temerity to emulate Angelou's lilting accent — and nailed it. She waved her hand in the air, clearly tickled. The evening ended with "Happy Birthday," and a reception.

"Getting old is not for sissies," Angelou said. "If you have a choice, do so."