Maya Angelou had a large and complex family. She was born to Bailey and Vivian Baxter Johnson in Saint Louis, Missouri. Her parents did not stay together and separated shortly after she was born. After the separation, she and her brother were sent to live with their grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas. As part of her family, she had two half-sisters, two “sister” cousins, and two “brother” cousins. Though Maya Angelou had the support of her maternal grandmother, who raised her and her brother, her relationship with her parents was complex. Her father was, according to her, an absentee father and she rarely saw him, though her mother visited her often.
Maya Angelou was first married at age sixteen, to Tosh Angelos. The two had one son together, Guy Johnson, before divorcing after four years of marriage. From this marriage and in the same time period, Angelou gained several brothers, half-brothers, and sisters-in-law. Following her divorce, she moved back in with her grandmother and her brother in Stamps and eventually moved to San Francisco. Here, she developed a connection with Caroline and Andrew Bailey, the parents of her half-brothers and sisters, who became a kind of surrogate family. In 1967, Maya Angelou married Paul du Feu, which was her second marriage.
Angelou formed her own family through the years, gathering people around her and encouraging them to learn about history and literature, politics and philanthropy, literature, culture and other topics. Maya Angelou found her “in-law” family from her various relationships, and it included her daughter’s husband, her son’s wife, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. From these relationships, she was able to build a strong sense of family, support, and home. In fact, many of the quotes attributed to her are about the power of family, the need to love one another and remember that “family” isn’t just who we’re related to but the people who taught us valuable lessons.
In her book, Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas, Angelou wrote that family is “the one sure home or bulwark we have….” and that “we can pull together to create something that will last, something from but of and for ourselves.” Maya Angelou understood that family is not just about biology or genetics, but about support and connection—and she worked hard to ensure that she had the support of the people she loved and who loved her in return. Even after her death in 2014, her family continues to honor her legacy and share her words of wisdom with others around the world.
Maya Angelou’s Parental Relationships
Maya Angelou was raised in Stamps, Arkansas by her grandmother, Annie Johnson, and her brother, Bailey Johnson Jr. She was also supported by her parents, Bailey Johnson, Sr. and Vivian Baxter Johnson. Despite the family’s separation shortly after Maya’s birth, her parents remained in contact with her and her brother. As Maya Angelou yearned to know her father better, she seldom saw him. On the other hand, her mother remained present in the children’s life, visiting them often and eventually bringing them to live with her in San Francisco. Maya Angelou developed a close relationship with her mother, who taught her about many things. This close bond between the two contributed to the depth and complexity of Maya Angelou’s writing
Mayan Angelou’s First Marriage
At the age of 16, Maya Angelou wed her first husband, Tosh Angelos. Part of the Greek-American immigrant community of Oakland, California, the two had one son, Guy Johnson, before divorcing four years later. According to Maya Angelou’s biographers, the marriage was a difficult one and she ended it as soon as her son turned four. Her son was an important part of her life, and her writing often features a glimpse into their life together. Angelou often stressed in interviews the importance of family and close relationships, citing the hardships she had been through when her own marriage ended.
Angelou’s Surrogate Family
After her divorce, Angelou returned to her grandmother’s home in Stamps. It was here that she was reunited with Caroline and Andrew Bailey, the parents of her half siblings. Caroline and Andrew both deeply cared for Maya Angelou and had a large influence on Angelou’s growth. Andrew Bailey owned the town’s only ice house, and Angelou spent a great deal of time here. Through her own experiences of her fractured family, she created a new family in Stamps and filled the gaps in her life. This was the moment when Angelou gained a new sense of family and security.
Maya Angelou’s Support System
Maya Angelou formed her own support system with her Godmother, Momma Hope, and other people she encountered in her life. During her youth and early adulthood, Angelou not only gained a strong sense of family, but also she was able to establish other strong connections and build her own community. Her family taught her about the power of forgiveness, perseverance, and love, which she often wrote about in her poetry and books. With a support system that had people who believed in and helped her, Angelou was able to overcome the hardships she faced and share her unforgettable words with the world.
Maya Angelou’s Legacy
Maya Angelou’s legacy lives on in her work and in her family. Her son Guy, her granddaughters and great-granddaughters continue to honor her memory, and those who knew her personally reflect on the impact she had on their lives. They remember her home which was “a refuge” and a place of comfort. Today, generations of Angelou’s family share her words of wisdom, advice and hope with each other, as they continue to honor her legacy. They all understand the power of loving and supporting one another, and how Maya Angelou exemplified what a family can be.
Maya Angelou’s Influences on Her Family
Given the evolution and complexity of Maya Angelou’s family, it is not surprising that her work often reflects her family’s influence, experiences, and wisdom. In her works, she explored familial connections, memories, and growth. Her presence has inspired many people, not just her family, but also her fans and readers all around the world. Amongst her writing, Angelou’s family members often hear stories and quotes that connect with their own lives. Her words and stories give them comfort, reminding them of her wisdom and love.
Maya Angelou’s Impact on Others
The story of Maya Angelou’s family has transcended through the generations, connecting and inspiring millions of people with her words and experiences. Maya Angelou’s experiences shaped her character and shaped her poetry, giving her a unique perspective on life. She stressed the importance of family, self-love, and breaking down barriers of race, culture, and gender. Her words of wisdom inspired many, including many within her own family. Through her works, she continues to touch and inspire others and bring her loving family closer together.
