United Nations, May 30 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has mourned the death of celebrated African American poet and author Maya Angelou, saying the UN owed her a debt of gratitude for a poem she wrote for the world body’s 50th anniversary.

“The United Nations owes her a particular debt of gratitude for her poem ‘A Brave and Startling Truth’, written for the 50th anniversary of our Organisation,” Xinhua quoted Ban as saying in a letter sent on behalf of the UN to the family and friends of Angelou, who died on Wednesday at her home in North Carolina. She was 86.

Angelou published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than 50 years, Xinhua reported.

In 1995, Angelou was invited by the UN to attend its 50th anniversary commemoration.

Her poem “A Brave and Startling Truth” tackled themes of human rights, peace and social justice.

“Her words on that occasion, that all ‘have the power to fashion for this earth a climate where every man and every woman can live freely,’ will forever resonate at the UN,” Ban wrote in his letter.

“Her moving writing generated compassion and empowerment in her country and around the world,” Ban said.

“At this time of loss, I hope you can take some comfort in the fact that Angelou led such an inspiring life, and leaves behind a remarkable legacy of hope for the world.”