Maya Angelou had a complicated and sometimes tragic personal life, but she was blessed with three children. In her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou recounts her tumultuous childhood, and her own mother’s inability to keep her own children. Though Angelou was not able to raise all three, two were kept safe and supported with love. Angelou’s first child, Guy Kelly Johnson, was born in 1944. Born out of an abusive relationship and at the tender age of 17, Angelou was unable to care for him. After living mainly with her mother in Stamps, Arkansas, she decided to put Guy in the care of her mother-in-law and guardian, Mrs. Annie Henderson. Guy grew up alongside Mrs. Henderson’s own large family, and was raised in a culture of oral storytelling and religious ceremonies.
Angelou’s second child, daughter Egypt C. Cauldwell, was born in December 1951. Originally given up for adoption, Egypt was back in the arms of her mother six weeks later. Egypt became Maya’s constant companion and was highly influenced by her mother’s determination and strong will. Throughout Angelou’s career, Egypt also served as her mother’s confidante and personal assistant, and eventually even her manager. Angelou and Egypt Cauldwell later reconciled, and Angelou became a very present figure in her daughter’s life.
In 1968, Maya Angelou welcomed her third and final child, son Colin Ashanti Johnson. Johnson was the product of Angelou’s brief marriage to Greek sailor, Tosh Angelos. At the time of his birth, Angelos was imprisoned in Turkey. Johnson was named after another sailor,, who had died shortly after Johnson was born. Maya Angelou also chose Johnson’s name based on the Latin word meaning “friendship”. Johnson was raised primarily by Angelou and became a filmmaker and professor. His film, Taking Back Ourselves won the Audience Choice award at the Pan-African Film Festival in California in 1998. Her son’s success was a source of great pride for Maya Angelou.
At the age of 17, Maya Angelou learned firsthand how hard it can be for a young single mother to provide for her children. Fortunately, she was able to ensure that her two youngest children were raised safe and sound, and watched them grow into eminent, independent adults. Though she never had a nuclear family, she strived to make sure that her children had the best opportunities and were provided with unconditional love and support.
Her Legacy
Maya Angelou fought to give her children a better life than she had, and instilled in them strong values and lasting mentorship. She wrote and recited poems, wrote books and was a renowned speaker, building a legacy that would outlive her. In addition, she was a dedicated, involved and loving mother to her own children and to many others, passing on her wisdom and teaching her children to never give up. Through her unwavering love and support, Maya Angelou managed to raise three children to be successful, independent and compassionate members of society despite the odds.
Her Influence on Education
Maya Angelou believed that education was a vehicle for freedom and empowerment, and one of the most valuable gifts she gave her children. From the beginning she set standards for them, pushing them to excel in school and go on to college. Her daughter Egypt spoke of how Angelou supported her and how she never turned down a chance to help someone in need. By stressing the importance of education, Angelou opened up a world of possibilities for her children.
Through her tireless support and encouragement, Angelou was able to give her children a chance to realize their potential and succeed. She helped her children develop the self-confidence and bravery needed to navigate their routes through life. Angelou was passionate about learning, and she made sure to nurture the same passion in her own children.
Her Influence on the Arts
Maya Angelou was a passionate artist and encouraged her children to pursue their own passions. Angelou not only encouraged her children to explore art, but also provided them with the necessary resources to develop and hone their craft. Countless times, Angelou worked various jobs to pay for her son and daughter to join theater troupes or learn an instrument.
Angelou held up art and literature as key ways of channeling and developing passion, and instilled in her children an appreciation for a variety of art forms.. Not only did Angelou successfully instill a love of the arts in her own children, but in many others who were touched by her words, music, stories, and performances throughout the years.
Her Philosophy on Life
Maya Angelou had a unique philosophy on life. She taught her children that life is a constant battle, and to find your place in the world you must have self-respect and an unshakeable faith in yourself and in your dreams. Her words, actions, and attitude focused on the power of personal efforts and communication.
Angelou believed that though life could be challenging at times, there was always hope and you must do what you can and never give up. Angelou consistently urged her children to remain true to themselves, never compromise, and have courage. By passing on these values to her children, Angelou fought to help her children become strong, independent, and empowered individuals.
Her Love and Support
Above all else, Maya Angelou showed her children how to love and be loved without judgment. Angelou provided her children with unwavering support and guidance, even during the toughest of times. As her son Colin mentioned, “She made us believe in ourselves”. Angelou managed to pass on everlasting lessons of growth and understanding to her children, paving the way for them to have a better future.
Through sharing her story, her hardships, and the unconditional love she was able to give her children, Maya Angelou’s legacy lives on through her children and through her words. Her courage and strength were felt by all those she touched, and her spirit continues to inspire.
