Photography by Kyle Leyenberger | Courtesy of Arkansas Education Association
The Celebrate! Maya Project was established in 2014, shortly after the death of Dr. Maya Angelou, with the mission of celebrating the life and legacy of this literary icon. The organization shares the beloved life story of Maya Angelou in schools and communities throughout Arkansas – utilizing it as a blueprint for literary and arts programs in education.
The Spirit of Maya Award celebrates an individual who reflects the organization’s vision for more equitable and accessible educational, economic and cultural opportunities in our state. Celebrate Maya! Project President Janis F. Kearney elaborates, “The project was founded by a small, diverse group of women whose passions for ‘good change’ aligned with the collective desire to impact the future for Arkansas children, most particularly, in the Arkansas Delta region. We’re pleased to honor Stacey McAdoo as the recipient of the 2020 Spirit of Maya Award.”
Stacey James McAdoo is a writer, educator and literacy advocate. She was recognized as the 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year and serves as lead mentor for novice teachers in the Little Rock School District as well as an adjunct instructor at the University of Central Arkansas. Janis adds, “Stacey has greatly impacted the way Arkansas youth are able to express themselves through writing and spoken word. These skills better equip them for life and improving our world.”
