"Celebrations is a collection of timely and timeless poems that are an integral part of the global fabric. Several works have become nearly as iconic as Angelou herself: the inspiring 'On the Pulse of Morning, ' read at President William Jefferson Clinton's 1993 inauguration; the heartening 'Amazing Peace, ' presented at the 2005 lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House; 'A Brave and Startling Truth, ' which marked the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations; and 'Mother, ' which beautifully honors the first woman in our lives. Angelou writes of celebrations public and private, a bar mitzvah wish to her nephew, a birthday greeting to Oprah Winfrey, and a memorial tribute to the late Luther Vandross and Barry White. More than a writer, Angelou is a chronicler of history, an advocate for peace, and a champion for the planet, as well as a patriot, a mentor, and a friend."--Publisher description.