Does Maya Angelou have children? This is a question that is commonly asked of the late, great writer, poet and activist. It is well known that Maya Angelou was a single mother who dedicated much of her life to her two children, Guy and Clyde, who now go by the names of their stepfathers, Tom Johnson and John Allen. Though there are several other biographies, poems, and letters penned by Maya Angelou, she never wrote about her own children directly. As such, determining whether or not she had children requires further research.
In her book, ‘A Song Flung Up To Heaven’, Angelou recounts events of her early adulthood in which she became pregnant with her son, Guy. She chose not to name the biological father publicly, although he is believed to have been a young military man. She immigrated to California with her son, where she began dating and eventually married a local waiter, Tom Johnson, who adopted and raised Guy.
The poet asserts that she left Johnson soon afterwards due to mistreatment. Several years later, Angelou entered into a consensual romance with Greek painter, Paul du Feu, and together they had Clyde, Angelou’s second child. They never legally married, and Clyde grew up taking the last name of Paul’s successor, a man named John Allen, whom Angelou also never married. The union of du Feu and Angelou, therefore, is officially considered an out-of-wedlock relationship.
What Did Maya Angelou Do for Her Children?
Despite the unconventional circumstances of her children’s conception, Maya Angelou’s commitment to motherhood is incredibly commendable. According to Angelou biographer, H.M. Plant, Angelou excelled in providing for her children and making sure that they stayed out of trouble. She kept them busy, introducing them to music, athletics and books, and encouraging them to explore the world around them, both physically and intellectually. Angelou also put her children through private school, ensuring them the highest level of education available.
Furthermore, Angelou was ever-vigilant when it came to protecting her children’s safety. She made sure they understood their rights, the options they had, and the limits they had to observe. As a protected but maintained single mother, she was able to provide her children with a safe and loving environment, sacrificing her own personal wishes to raise them as best as she could.
Though in later life, both of Angelou’s children moved away, they took her lessons to heart, and both Guy and Clyde have achieved success in the world. Guy has gone on to become a successful businessman, while Clyde is an acclaimed filmmaker. Though she kept tight-lipped about them during her life, Maya Angelou’s children have proven to be a lasting testimony to her dedication and motherly love.
The Impact of Her Children’s Lives on Maya Angelou’s Writing
As her children grew older, Maya Angelou began to find ways to incorporate them into her writing. Angelou’s son, Guy, first appeared in a poem entitled ‘For My Sister, Maya,’ where she made reference to the adoption of her son by her former husband, Tom Johnson. Similarly, in her posthumous memoir, ‘Mom & Me & Mom,’ Angelou wrote about her estranged relationship with her son, Guy, and how they eventually reconciled in their adult years.
More recently, in 2017, Angelou’s daughter, Clyde, wrote a memoir about their relationship called ‘Where Is Here?’ which was reviewed by the Los Angeles Times. The memoir captured the dynamics of their relationship, and opened a window into their shared life. The biographical novel is replete with experiences, memories, and love that they both shared, while exploring the difficulties of growing up together.
Legacy of Maya Angelou Through Her Children
Through her two children, Maya Angelou has provided a lasting legacy of inspiration, excitement and love that continues to inspire generations to come. Through the stories she tells of motherhood and family in her poems, in letters and through interviews, Angelou serves as a model of understanding and present-day modern families.
Maya Angelou’s ability to give her children a foundation of love and spirituality, of growth, exploration and hard-earned lessons have continued to resonate in their lives and in the lives of their children. As such, even though she has since passed away, Angelou’s footprints continue to be firmly imprinted through the works and successes of her children, Guy and Clyde.
Relation between Angelou and Her Grandchildren
Despite the fact that Maya Angelou never wrote directly about her own children, the bond between the poet and her grand-children was evidently strong. In various interviews and writings, her grand-children fondly recall visiting her, reading her books and enjoying her home-cooked meals. Perhaps the most significant event is when Angelou gave the toast during Christmas dinner at the home of one of her grandchildren in 2011.
In her granddaughter’s own words, Maya Angelou was “a very good soccer coach. She was always around us and trying to get us to smile and stay positive. I remember all the funny noises she would make and the silly quips she would come up with; she was never short of words.” Even though she never wrote about them, Angelou’s grand-children remain proud to carry on her legacy.
Maya Angelou and Her Extended Family
Throughout her life, Maya Angelou maintained close ties with her extended family. Her nieces have fond memories of visits from Angelou and of the teachings she imparted on them. In particular, Angelou’s nieces remember her emphasis on education and the use of language. Even today, Angelou’s nieces continue to remind each other of Angelou’s legacy, with verbal cues about her lifestyle and her principles.
Additionally, Angelou’s extended family remain connected by the stories and histories that she told of being a mother, despite not having many direct references of them in her work. During their yearly family reunions, they remember Angelou and all the other members of the family, celebrating their shared history and ancestry.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while Maya Angelou never wrote specifically about her own children, her story of dedication to motherhood has left an undeniable impression. Through her own words and a deeper exploration of her biographical information, it is evident that the world-renowned poet was able to provide love, support and education to her two children, enabling them to build successful lives of their own. Moreover, her bond with her grand-children and nieces remains an inspiration to her fans, family and admirers worldwide.
