Maya Angelou is known around the world as an inspirational writer and poet. Her works are read and cherished by many, but few know the brave and startling truth behind her life. Born in St. Louis, Missouri to Jackley Wilson and Vivian Baxter, she was raised by her maternal grandmother in segregated rural Arkansas. From a young age, Angelou lived in a world of racism, segregation and oppression. Despite her struggling upbringing, Angelou had the courage to stand up for herself and challenge the status quo.
At the age of eight, Angelou was raped by her mother’s boyfriend. The crime remained unresolved, and the assailant was later murdered. This horrific event left Angelou mute, and she was unable to speak for five years. She was a silent witness in the courtroom, but Angelou had the strength to slowly regain her inner voice. Angelou eventually went on to become a successful writer, educator, and civil rights advocate.
At the age of sixteen, Angelou dropped out of school, determined to make a life for herself. She moved to San Francisco and quickly achieved success. Angelou worked odd jobs and was eventually accepted into the popular dance troupe, the California Concert Ballet. She later traveled the United States and Europe as a performer in various shows and productions.
Angelou introduced literature to the masses through published works, and her teachings can be seen in the words of her poems, essays and books. Her novel I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was published in 1970 and was the first autobiography to be published by an African American woman. The book shares her struggles and triumphs, allowing her story to be heard by the world. The book’s success allowed Angelou to become an international bestseller and renowned literary figure.
Angelou was also a political force, supporting civil rights movements and the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She was a close friend to Malcolm X, and she wrote and edited his autobiography. Angelou became a poet laureate at the request of President Bill Clinton and was also awarded over 50 honorary degrees and awards. At the age of 86, Maya Angelou passed away; however, her courage and achievements live on.
Rape Trauma
Although Angelou was born into a time of systemic racism and oppression, her struggles began far before the age of eight. In 1931, Angelou was raped by someone close to her mother and the crime went unsolved. As a result, she developed post-traumatic stress disorder and suffered from anxiety and depression. Angelou was plunged into a dark period in her life and developed severe speech aversion. She was unable to speak for five years and had to relearn how to communicate in order to regain her voice.
Angelou faced intense grief and doubt throughout her period of mutism. She was forced to grapple with her trauma alone, yet she came out of this struggle with a newfound voice that embraced authenticity and power. Many of her works explore the pain and difficulty of recovering from rape trauma.
Angelou wrote poetry to help herself cope with her trauma and to better understand her experience. Poems such as “Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman” are examples of her works that address the self-empowerment that came with facing her pain head-on. Additionally, she wrote her novel I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings to explore her feelings of betrayal and brokenness.
Social Activism
Although Angelou faced rampant racism, she never viewed herself as a victim and instead focused on her survival. Her outspoken nature and fervent belief in human rights led her to become heavily involved in the civil rights movements of the 1960s. She marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the March on Washington and was a close friend to Malcolm X. Angelou also encouraged future generations to speak out against injustice and oppression, stating”Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
Beyond march attendance and political writings, Angelou used her career as a platform to advocate for social change. Her works often illustrated the challenging realities of racism, sexism and oppression. She wrote about topics like domestic violence in her poetry and highlighted the more uncomfortable truths about the lives of African Americans throughout history. Through her work, she provided a platform for those without a voice and raised awareness about social issues.
In addition to tackling tough subjects, Angelou also served as a role model for others. For example, she was one of the few female African American engineers of her time. Additionally, she was one of the few female choreographers in the United States and the first female street car conductor in San Francisco. With her hard work and dedication, Angelou showed the world anything was possible when you have the courage to dream.
Recognition in the Literary World
The success of Angelou’s writing was groundbreaking, and she was recognized internationally for her work. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was a powerful statement to the world and set the tone for many books to come. Angelou was the first African American woman to have her autobiography published and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and powerful literary figures of all time. Her works influenced countless writers and activists, and she continues to inspire people around the world.
The success of her published works was widely celebrated, and she achieved recognition from some of the most influential players in the world. Angelou’s works were praised by figures such as Oprah Winfrey, President Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela. She was also the first black woman to receive an Emmy Award, a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize nomination. Her awards were truly a testament to the power of her works and influenced many to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
Angelou’s lifetime of work and activism changed the way the world viewed African Americans and allowed her a successful platform to defend her beliefs. Her work continues to inspire next generations and stands as a powerful example of what one can achieve through hard work and dedication.
Legacy
The legacy of Maya Angelou is far-reaching and continues to have an impact on people today. She was a literary figure and civil rights advocate whose works often touched on difficult topics. Her bravery and courage in the face of adversity is something that continues to inspire people today. Her works have been translated into more than a dozen languages and continue to be read by people around the world.
Angelou always encouraged others to speak their truths and take control of their own lives. She pushed the boundaries of literature, allowing her story and the story of African Americans to be heard by the world. She gave a voice to many who were unheard, showed the world that anything is possible, and is remembered as a woman of strength and courage.
Angelou’s legacy lives on through her words, writings, and works. Her poem “Still I Rise” is arguably one of her best-known and most beloved works, addressing themes of survival and resilience. Other works continue to resonates with those seeking courage and strength, serving as an anthem for struggle and success. Angelou’s words continue to inspire those who seek courage, strength and justice.
Final Days
Angelou passed away in 2014 at the age of 86 after a lifetime of accomplishments and achievements. During her funeral, President Barack Obama likened her legacy to that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Hillary Clinton stated she was a “great friend.” Angelou was also praised by Oprah Winfrey who said that “Her book, her poetry and her life’s work changed our world, with truth, and light and love.”
Angelou’s passing prompted the world to remember her incredible achievements and how she impacted and changed the lives of many, regardless of race or gender. Andrew Young stated, “She left a standard of excellence so high that very few could reach it and no one close.” Angelou is remembered as a heroine and her death was felt throughout the world.
Maya Angelou was a brave and powerful figure; a one-of-a-kind woman who resisted racism and sexism and opened the world’s eyes to the experiences of African Americans. Her life and works confront difficult truths, serve as an anthem for survival, and offer strength when needed the most. Angelou’s legacy will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.
