As perhaps one of the most iconic African-American writers of all time, Maya Angelou has undoubtedly stirred up heated discussion and debate around her articulate, eloquent voice and perspectives, particularly since her passing in 2014. Born Marguerite Ann Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 4, 1928, Angelou was an acclaimed poet, novelist, educator, civil rights advocate, and mentor. But at the age of 7, something deeply traumatizing happened that dramatically changed her life, and she stopped speaking for the next 5 years.
It’s thought that the root cause of her silence was her rape by her mother’s boyfriend at the age of 7. Children come into the world pure, and this experience appears to have forced her to close off from the world and put up a wall. Her sense of security was robbed, and likely the only way she knew how to protect herself was to refuse to communicate. Angelou trusted no one and the trauma robbed her of her voice – her voice that would eventually impact the lives of countless people around the globe.
Whatever the exact details of the events surrounding her story, her sudden silence had a great impact on her life. She was sent back to Stamps, Arkansas, with her grandmother where she found solace in books and writing. Angelou later said, “I went through, and I knew how to read, I could see the words, but something had happened to the organ of speech, and I just wouldn’t utter a word.”
It is only through the strength and courage of her beloved grandmother that she eventually regained her voice. At the age of 12, her grandmother said “use your voice, for it has power”, and this helped her to rediscover her voice and her love of learning.
But the impact of her silence didn’t simply disappear when she rediscovered her voice – it continued to shape her as she experienced and retaliated against the civil rights injustices of the time. Angelou’s refusal to be silent was heavily punished – she was ruthlessly beaten and brutally humiliated. But in true defiance and courage, Angelou did not allow this to quench the fire inside her.
Angelou’s story serves as a great reminder that we must never forget those who, like her, have gone unacknowledged and unheard. With her unrelenting courage and will, Maya Angelou changed not only her own life, but that of many others with her voice, her words and her stand against injustice.
Angelou’s story encourages us to be more aware of those around us and take action against those who enforce oppressive systems. One of her most famous works, her autobiographical poem “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” serves as a powerful reminder of her refusal to be silenced and the initial fear from which she was able to find strength.
The Impact of Her Silence
The impact of her sudden silence cannot be overstated. As a child, Angelou had been a very outgoing, confident young girl, with a lively personality and an energetic spirit. Her transformation into a deeply entrenched silence was hard for those around her to understand, and it can be seen as a fundamental part of her development and growth into the icon we know today.
The experience, though difficult and traumatizing, allowed Angelou to develop inner strength and resilience. It also gave her the strength to be confident enough to express her views on the civil rights injustices of the time. Angelou’s silence was a way for her to form an inner strength, a cushion from which she could step out and fight for the rights of those less fortunate.
Angelou’s voice would go on to play a fundamental role in the civil rights movement and her increased internal strength allowed her to face the opposition that came with it. Her refusal to give into the pressure of conforming and being silenced in the face of injustice was how she was able to become a powerful activist and create a legacy that has since gone on to inspire countless generations.
The Rediscovery of Her Voice
The rediscovery of Angelou’s voice was an integral part of her life and how she would go on to shape her future. Angelou was 12 when her beloved grandmother said “use your voice, for it has power.” This captured moment changed everything – it marked the start of her rediscovery of her voice, both personally and politically.
It was her express gratitude for her grandmother’s words of wisdom that broke her silence. Angelou later stated that those words gave her “the permission to do anything” and opened up a whole new world for her. With her regained voice, Angelou was able to pursue her passions and use her words to respond to discrimination and fight for rights.
Her gift of language enabled her to share her experiences with the world and it is through her books, biographies, and autobiographies that her story has been told. She used her voice to empower marginalized communities, bring awareness to the discrimination these communities experience, and inspire others to fight against oppression.
The Power of Words
For Maya Angelou, words were the most powerful tool in her fight against discrimination. Her words not only had the power to inform, they were a source of empowerment and liberation. Angelou used her words to declare her own power, and to empower and sustain those she dedicated her life to.
Angelou was able to use her words to influence and shape public opinion, and to call on leaders to advocate for the oppressed communities. Her words enabled her to become an influential and powerful voice for African- Americans and other minorities. Her writings gave insight into a world that outsiders do not normally have access to. Through her words, Angelou was able to bring about change and inspire generations.
For Angelou, words provided a way for her to feel safe and respected. They provided her with an understanding of herself and the world, and allow her to communicate her experiences to others. Her words were a source of protection, providing her with the means to be heard.
The Impact of Her Legacy
The legacy that Maya Angelou left behind will never be forgotten. Angelou devoted her life to fighting for justice and equality, and her words and actions continue to inspire people around the world. Her work and vision will continue to live on, reminding us of the importance of not just speaking out, but taking meaningful, practical actions to fight oppression and inequality.
Her legacy also serves as a reminder of the capabilities of a person who refuses to be silenced, and never gives up. Her courage, strength, and resilience in the face of far too many obstacles are an example to us all, and will continue to inspire people for generations to come.
Angelou was a conscious architect of her own history and a revered leader, and in her own words, she “will not be contained in any grave”. Her life and words will remain with us for eternity.
