Pictured Left: Daisy L. Gatson Bates. Pictured Right: Phyllis Yvonne Stickney
2026 Spirit of Maya Awards Luncheon, and Life Doesn't Frighten Me, a Play
A Message from Janis F. Kearney, President & Founder, Celebrate Maya Project
Monday, March 9, 2026
LITTLE ROCK— “Still We Rise,” is the theme for the 2026 celebration of Dr. Maya Angelou’s 98th birthday. Since 2014, the Celebrate! Maya Project has celebrated the life and legacy of iconic poet, writer and humanist Maya Angelou, with music, poetry, performance and recognition of outstanding life achievements. This year promises more of the same.
"Life Doesn't Frighten Me" Production
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. Get tickets here.
"Still We Rise" Annual Spirit of Maya Awards Luncheon and Celebration
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, and Civil Rights Leader Daisy L. Gatson Bates, posthumously. Musical entertainment will be provided by the JJ Adams Jazz group.
Get Tickets
Tickets for the Spirit of Maya Awards Luncheon are available via Event Brite here or by mail to P.O. Box 241792, Little Rock, AR 72223. For further information, visit www.celebratemayaproject.org or email celebratingmaya@gmail.com. All donations support Celebrate! Maya Project’s youth initiatives and Scholarship Fund.
Thank you.
“Now, more than ever, it is crucial we do our part to ensure our children’s voices are valued and their stories are shared through poetry, music, writing, and dialogue, paving the way for a better world,” stated CMP President Janis F. Kearney.
The Celebrate! Maya Project is an Arkansas-based (501©(3)) nonprofit offering educational programs and public events inspired by Maya Angelou’s philosophy: “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”
