More than a month after her death, Maya Angelou's legacy lives on and her work continues to inspire the young and old alike.

On Saturday, Bay News 9's partner paper the Tampa Bay Times joined up with the Hillsborough County School District for a special tribute to the poet laureate.

Local scholars held a panel discussion at a Brandon Barnes and Noble. There were also Angelou-inspired poetry readings.

Organizers say it's important to keep her art alive.

“Poetry seems to be at sometimes a dying art and sometimes it's one of the most misunderstood genres of literature,” said former teacher Magnolia Allen. “But it's so expressive to the point that we think children can learn to do this kind of work. We can express our experiences, learn from experiences, hear others experiences and learn something from what we've read."

Angelou was also a Medal of Freedom recipient, the highest honor bestowed on any U.S. civilian.