All state flags will be lowered to half-staff Saturday in honor of Maya Angelou, who died in May after a period of ill health.
Angelou, who moved to Stamps when she was 3 years old, became one of the state's most renowned authors and was known the world over as a voice for human rights, freedom, justice and peace.
Angelou — whose first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, brought her international recognition and acclaim — also became well known after she recited her poem On the Pulse of Morning for President Bill Clinton's inauguration.
Gov. Mike Beebe extended deepest sympathies for the family and loved ones of Angelou in the proclamation and declared the flags be flown at half-staff in memory of Angelou and as an "expression of public sorrow," according to the proclamation.