Maya Angelou, one of the most iconic and revered poets and figures in American history, was a whirlwind of creativity, beauty, bravery, and resilience. From her influential storytelling to her unparalleled life that spanned numerous decades, her impact is undeniable. Her outstanding work earned her the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 2011; making it the highest honor given to a civilian in the United States.
Angelou was born on April 4, 1928 as Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri. Though she was born in the United States, she spent much of her childhood in the deep South of Arkansas. Even as a child she was an extraordinary talent who, at the age of 7, was an opera soloist and could recite her work in front of large crowds. Her early life was marked by tragedy and the challenges it posed; after an event that was filled with suffering and torment, she stopped speaking for five years until she was able to emotionally and mentally process what had occurred.
Angelou found solace in her writing during her adolescent years, and would eventually use it as a tool to cope with the events of her life. She soon started writing poetry and was offered the opportunity to write a series of autobiographies, the first of which, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, was published in the late 1960s.Her autobiography eventually helped her foster her place in literature and become one of the most revered authors of her time. She wrote over many books in addition to her poetry, some of which include Gather Together in My Name, The Heart of a Woman, and Mom & Me & Mom.
Angelou was a great lover of the arts and a performer at heart. During her lifetime she appeared in several films and plays, did theater work, and even performed the role of Kunta Kinte’s grandmother in the television miniseries Roots. These performances garnered her a Golden Globe nomination for her supporting role in Georgia, Georgia. She also served two years as the first African-American Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.
Angelou was an outspoken advocate for civil rights, and her poetry often served as a powerful vehicle for her activism. Her work was often used to encourage people to work to become better versions of themselves, to strive for justice and make the best of every situation. Her words remain at the heart of many ongoing movements, including the Black Lives Matter movement. Her influence even reaches further into the streets today, her work serving as inspiration — her words showing us the need to celebrate our differences, incite conversations, and learn.
Activism
Maya Angelou’s travels, insights, and experiences as a civil rights activist inform much of her literature and have earned her well-deserved recognition. Maya often put a singular focus on the issue of civil rights, frequently writing and speaking on the topic. In her work, she explored the dynamics of racism and the shadows of history that continue to plague America’s past and present. She regularly spoke in support of protests, and boycotts led by the African American communities, for instance, the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1956 or the Greensboro sit-ins of 1960. Angelou also joined marches and rallies, such as the Poor People’s March of 1968, to stand up for justice and protest racial injustice. Finally, she won awards for her civil rights advocacy, such as the NAACP’s Roy Wilkins Award in 1975 and the National Women’s Political Caucus’ Woman of Courage award in 1993.
Teaching Career
In addition to her activism, Angelou had a successful career as a teacher. She held the first Endowed Chair in 1993, making her the first black woman to hold such a position, at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. During her tenure, she offered classes on poetry and culture, as well as African American Studies. In addition to these classes, she also worked with students to help hone their writing and returned to her alma mater, George Washington High School, to teach a writing course. Her teaching style, which focused on discovery learning, supported her students in exploring the full potential of their talent.
Legacy
In the end, Maya Angelou’s legacy was unique and extraordinary. Not only did she break artistic, academic, and political ground, but she also served as a role model for generations of women and people of color. Many of her books have become cornerstones of American literature, and her work continues to influence her readers to this day. Speaking on her importance, former president, Barack Obama, said “she empowered generations of Americans to stand up and have their voice heard.” Through her writing and activism, she proved that anything was possible for anyone regardless of race, gender, or age. Ultimately, through her impact, she showed us that we all can make a lasting mark in the world.
Poetry
Angelou’s prowess as a poet was extraordinary, her work often serving as a roadmap to help people traverse through their struggles and battle the issues of their daily lives. Her poetry was often labeled as the collective voice of African-American people; a powerful medium to express the emotions that come with oppression, identity, and courage. Her poetry is still profoundly moving today and speaks to the power of the written word. Her writing and recitals explored everything from optimism to history, and she used her words to create an awe-inspiring impression on her readers. Many of her works are still quoted and celebrated today, her words empowering and inspiring generations.
Impact
Maya Angelou was not simply a formidable literary figure, but a true master. Her impact has been felt in many facets of American life including literature, the sciences, music, and the fight for civil rights. Her work has been praised by critics and climbed the charts to No. 1 spots; it also earned her a Pulitzer Prize nomination. Her writings have been featured in multiple anthologies and news outlets, such as Time Magazine and The New York Times. Her bravery, her resilience, and her unparalleled grace will forever remain in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to hear her words.
