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The Negro National Anthem By Maya Angelou Analysis

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Angelou’s eighth grade graduation takes place in the racially segregated town of Stamps, Arkansas. Maya Angelou was a kind hearted girl, who’s nervousness and excitement had her feeling many different emotions leading to her big day. “I had taken to smiling more often, and my jaws hurt from the unaccustomed activity.” As Angelou is showered with gifts from friends, family, and complete strangers, she feels hopeful and optimistic about her graduation. The day finally comes and Angelou and her fellow students recite the pledge of allegiance and sing the national anthem. She realizes that the “Negro National Anthem” that they usually sing is skipped, therefore she feels foreboding about what the rest of the ceremony holds. Edward Donleavy, the

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