Vivian Ayers, Mother of Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad, Dies at 102

Vivian Ayers, a celebrated poet and playwright and the mother of Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad, has passed away at the age of 102. Known for her cultural and literary contributions, Ayers was recently honored by NASA for her poem “Hawk,” recognized as a “Hidden Figure” of the Apollo 11 mission. Her daughter Debbie Allen shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, referring to her mother as a “cosmic bird Hawk that lives and breathes Freedom.” Ayers was honored by NASA in 2024 and had her poem formally published by Clemson University Press in 2023. A deeply influential figure in both the arts and Black cultural history, Ayers leaves behind a legacy rooted in beauty, truth, and freedom.

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Source: BET