We’re Welcoming in this New Year with Hope
Celebrate! Maya Project
Welcoming 2026
Let’s welcome the new year—together! Celebrate! Maya Project is claiming 2026 as another “Phenomenal” year. Read more below, or by visiting the link below.
2026 Spirit of Maya Awardees
On April 16, the 2026 “Still We Rise” Annual Spirit of Maya Awards Luncheon and Celebration will be held at the Great Hall, Clinton Presidential Center. Honorees are actress and comedian Phyllis Yvonne Stickney (Pictured Right), and Civil Rights Leader Daisy L. Gatson Bates (Pictured Left), posthumously. Musical entertainment will be provided by the JJ Adams Jazz group.
2026 Spirit of Maya Awards & Life Doesn't Frighten Me, a Play
On April 11-12, the Celebrate! Maya Project presents a play commissioned from St. Louis’ Metro Theater Company. *Life Doesn’t Frighten Me* is a children’s production adapted from Maya Angelou’s 1993 poem. The first show will be at UA-Pulaski Tech’s Chart Theater in North Little Rock, Saturday, April 11, at 2 PM. The second takes place at Lafayette County High School auditorium on Sunday, April 12, at 4 PM. Students, parents, educators, and community members are welcome, and admission is free.
Who we are
Celebrate! Maya Project
The Celebrate! Maya Project promotes the life, contributions, and history of Dr. Maya Angelou through our work with children and communities of Arkansas. We seek ways to educate, advocate, and promote literacy and humanities by teaching the history of literary icon, Maya Angelou. We seek partnerships with Arkansas schools, communities, and nonprofit organizations to help bring this legend to life.
“The ache of home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” — Maya Angelou
