Maya Angelou was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement alongside Martin Luther King Jr. She worked closely with him in various capacities to bring their ideals and their causes to fruition. Angelou served as support staff for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in Atlanta, where she provided administrative and reception duties in the 1960s. King and Angelou crossed paths many times throughout their close association with the organization. International visitors, dignitaries, and civil rights advocates were all part of the constant stream of visitors that Angelou hosted at the headquarters.
Maya Angelou was also part of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “inner-circle” when they worked together. As one of his confidants, Angelou, along with other protégées such as Andrew Young, James Bevel, Fred Shuttlesworth, and Dorothy Cotton, often took part in a number of important conversations with King. She collaborated with King to generate ideas and plan courses of action for the SCLC, and she could be relied on to provide feedback on new initiatives. Angelou was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement and she was never afraid to speak her mind to King, even if he disagreed.
In addition to collaborating with King on numerous efforts, Angelou also took on a leading role with the Heads of various committees of the SCLC. For instance, Angelou was the Head of the Awards Dept., Chair of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Southern Appointments, and Co-Chair of the Advisory Committee. She actively consulted with King and enforced the rules of the Committee and made sure that the organization’s objectives were kept in line. Angelou served as a role model for so many of the Committee members and their causes.
Maya Angelou had a unique and special relationship with Martin Luther King Jr. Both were passionate about the same causes and shared a common bond and understanding in their pursuit of justice, peace, and fairness. They were both incredibly talented leaders and Angelou saw first-hand the courage and determination that King brought to the cause. Sometimes their views on different issues did not align perfectly, but King realized the invaluable contributions that Angelou could make.
While Angelou may not have had necessarily the same fame, notoriety, and accomplishments as Martin Luther King Jr., her work and her service to the SCLC and to the Civil Rights Movement should not be overlooked. She was intimately involved in almost every aspect of the organization’s efforts and she was a loyal, steadfast companion to King and a beloved figure to the people she served.
Contribution in Leadership Positions
When Angelou decided to commit to the SCLC, she went out of her way to take a leadership role within the organization. She became the head of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Southern Appointments and co-chair of the Advisory Committee, pushing herself and others to make sure that the objectives of the organization were on track. Angelou’s unwavering dedication and support for King and the causes of the Civil Rights Movement held by the SCLC were invaluable.
Angelou was praised for her enthusiasm and ability to lead as an example to all members within the organization. Her faith in the objectives and resolute focus to achieve justice and fairness to all people within the southern states never wavered during her time. No doubt her commitment and her leadership emboldened the entire organization and set the foundations for much of the progress that was made.
Spiritual Role
Throughout her involvement with the SCLC, Maya Angelou was a spiritual advisor and confidant to Martin Luther King Jr. He leaned on her practical advice and unwavering devotion to the causes of the organization to keep his moral compass pointed in the right direction. His fervent religious conviction was well known, and Angelou’s gentleness, kindness, and profound empathy provided the kind of comfort and spiritual nourishment that only a kindred spirit can provide.
There was something special and unique about the bond between Angelou and King that was formed through their shared spiritual beliefs and practices. During their meetings and conversations, it is clear that Angelou not only believed in the cause, but she acted as a spiritual advisor by encouraging King move forward with hope and faith. In difficult times, her grounding influence was helpful for King and provided a sense of calmness and levelheadedness.
Advocate for Human Equality
Maya Angelou worked tirelessly to bring human equality to the South. Her unwavering desire to bring the principles of the SCLC to bear and to serve those in the community who were oppressed, was inspiring. Angelou’s decision to remain at the headquarters and dedicate herself to the cause was a testament to her courage and resilience. The work that she did on behalf of the organization was essential and hopefully more people in the future can get inspired by her strength and dedication.
Angelou saw firsthand the systemic injustices and abuses of power that African-Americans experienced daily. By standing strong with King and the organization, she served not only as a visible advocate for human equality, but also as an example for others to follow. She spoke about her experiences and knowledge in a way that was never overpowered by rhetoric and always kept the ideals of the movement at the forefront of her words.
Voices in Conflict Resolutions
It was only fitting that Angelou and King found an important common ground in their passion for words. While King is known famously for his speeches and orations on justice, Angelou, too, had a way of capturing the hearts and minds of people with her words, as evidenced by her famous poem “Still I Rise”. It is here, then, their joint participation in the Civil Rights Movement made them a formidable force. Since both saw the power of words, they came together to use their voices to try to bring resolution to conflict.
Both Angelou and King strove to enact peaceful change and their initiative to rally African American citizens to take part in this noble cause through various platforms, not just verbal and physical, was an inspiration. There are so many lessons to be learned from their joint effort that we all should strive to appreciate, acknowledge, and respect the contributions and efforts of both of these great activists.
Philanthropy
Maya Angelou and Martin Luther King Jr. had a deep commitment to giving back and both are remembered as great leaders in terms of philanthropy. Angelou and King both recognized the importance of using their platform to promote giving to those in need. They dedicated their time, money, and energy to causes they believed in and both made sure that they gave their resources to those in the greatest need.
Angelou and King came together to support the initiatives of the SCLC and together they worked to organize fundraisers to support the cause. Regardless of the obstacles and the financial problems that the organization might have faced, both King and Angelou never once shied away from their moral convictions of providing support to those who needed it most. They were both selfless in their philanthropic efforts and were determined to bring about a brighter future for all.
Collaboration in Activist Work
King and Angelou were both active members of the Civil Rights Movement and were deeply commited to their shared cause. They were often at the same protests and demonstrations and worked together to bring attention to their grievances and advocate for the people they spoke on behalf of. Angelou was also present at most of King’s speeches as they often strategized together and planned events.
Their partnership and unity strengthened the civil rights movement and allowed them to acquire greater recognition. Both showed an unwavering commitment to civil rights and used the power of the word to fight the cause which in turn created a stronger bond between the two figures. The civil rights movement was greatly strengthened by the joint efforts of King and Angelou, and their collaboration will always be remembered.
