Maya Angelou will introduce Michelle Obama today.
The noted poet will appear at a 3 p.m. rally at the Carolina Theatre in Greensboro to introduce the wife of the Democratic presidential candidate's wife.
A resident of Winston-Salem, Angelou was a supporter of Obama's primary opponent, Hillary Clinton. She hosted a "conversation" with Clinton at Wake Forest University and appeared in a TV ad for Clinton that aired in North Carolina.
She now backs Obama.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's latest ad in North Carolina features poet Maya Angelou.
Hillary Clinton hosts a 'conversation' with and Dr. Maya Angelou at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. (Staff video by Travis Long)
Hillary Clinton and Maya Angelou will have a conversation Friday.
The Democratic presidential candidate and the poet will hold an event in Wait Chapel at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem.
Doors open at 4 p.m. and the event begins at 6 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public.
Hillary Clinton's campaign released the names of its North Carolina steering committee, ranging from poet Maya Angelou to Hugh Shelton, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The list was announced at a teleconference held by Tom Hendrickson, a former state Democratic chariman; former Ambassador Jeanette Hyde, and the Rev. Brenda Stevenson of Charlotte.
"I know Hillary has the diplomatic skills," said Hyde, who was appointed ambassador to Barbados by President Clinton. "She has the knowledge. She has traveled around the world. I beleive she can help mend some of the problems we have in the world."
The endorsements include many people long associated with the moderate, pro-business wing of the state Democratic Party and with Govs. Jim Hunt and Terry Sanford.
Clarification: Hunt is not on the steering committee, but some of his associates are.
More names after the jump.
Former President Bill Clinton will meet with key supporters later today at a reception at the Raleigh home of former Ambassador Jeannette Hyde.
“It’s actually for people willing to endorse Hillary Clinton or be on the statewide steering committee,” Hyde told Rob Christensen. “It’s kind of a briefing on the campaign and a thank you.”
Clinton will attend the private event after first appearing at public events in Charlotte and Cary.
Helping put the event together is former state Democratic chairman Tom Hendrickson, a Raleigh businessman. Among those expected to attend are former state Democratic chairwoman Barbara Allen, and Jane Patterson, a former secretary of administration.
Among the North Carolinians expected to endorse Clinton — although not attending tonight’s event — are retired Charlotte bank executive Hugh McColl; Hugh Shelton, the former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff; and poet Maya Angelou, according to Hyde.
The highest honor the governor can bestow on a North Carolina citizen.
Created in 1965, the award is given to residents in recognition of a proven record of service or some other special achievement. The recipient receives a certificate and the privilege of proposing, at any time, the North Carolina Toast:
Here's to the land of the long leaf pine,
The summer land where the sun doth shine,
Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great,
Here's to "down home," the Old North State!
Past recipients include such famous Tar Heels as Maya Angelou, Billy Graham and Michael Jordan.
The governor also gives out The Old North State Award for North Carolinians with a record of service, a certificate of appreciation for long-serving state employees and volunteers, a Laurel Wreath Award for athletes and an Honorary Tar Heel award for non-residents.
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