Maya Angelou was one of the greatest literary and civil rights figures of our time. Her impact has reverberated for decades, and her voice and writing remain beloved by many of fans around the globe. Miraculously, she was able to be a proud living witness to the last century and stay vibrant and active in her work up until her death in 2014.
The powerful activist, poet, and author had a plethora of professional and personal experiences which shaped her line of thought and also written works. Angelou faced severe racial discrimination and oppression during her lifetime, particularly during her formative years in the 1940s and ’50s.
Angelou argued that education was the tool of liberation and knowledge was essential for one to break the boundaries of a systemic poverty. Despite the racist records throughout the history of her United States, she considered democracy a way to move forward and progress. Additionally, Angelou attended and gave speeches at numerous racial advancement events, in an attempt to honor the civil rights movement for which she was an inspiration.
Angelou never ceased her dedication to civil rights and racial equality. She was an advocate for the oppressed because of her hardships throughout her life, often speaking out and being outspoken about the issues at hand, particularly in her United States. Whether it was a fundraiser or a speech, Angelou deemed racism and racial injustice as intolerable evils and she was highly dedicated to destroying all that threatened the collective liberation of minority peoples.
Though Angelou is no longer with us, her legacy of hope and uplifting spirit lives on. Both her spoken word CDs, her books, and her art are still celebrated, and will remain celebrated by the generations to come. Through her words, she poured out a story of endurance, of self-discovery and of inner-strength. With her words, she leaves behind a powerful and lasting legacy.
Impact on Society
Maya Angelou has left a permanent mark on society. She is remembered as an advocate and legend in the fight for civil rights whose inspiring messages of love and justice continue to awaken revolutionary and inspired movements, as well as influence policy reforms. Her iconic works spoke to her own experience and to the experiences of millions of people touched by her words.
Angelou’s influence on education is also profound and wide-reaching. As a former teacher, she dedicated her life to the betterment of children’s futures and championed the right of young students to access educational opportunities. Through her books and films, she awakened the imaginations of children and adults alike and encouraged them to dream, to explore, and to create something of their own.
Life’s Work
Maya Angelou’s life’s work spanned the arts, civil rights, and education. She wrote over 33 books, was an actress and author, a legendary speaker and Civil Rights Movement leader, and a dear friend to many. She wrote her first memoir I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings in 1970, which was the first best-selling book by an African-American woman. Through her autobiographical works and inspiring poetry, Angelou’s words became movement-defining literary works and found their way into books, classrooms, hearts, and minds around the world.
Angelou also gave voice to a generation of African-American women in the 1967 film “And Still I Rise” and later received several honors including a Tony Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize nomination, and even the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her prolific and diverse works serve to inspire and illuminate, while her life and message remain a beacon of inspiration to all.
Innovations
Beyond being a powerful writer and civil rights leader, Maya Angelou pioneered new ways to make an impact. She used tech tools to engage with people tired of hearing her name as simply a civil rights leader and turn it into a tool for creative expression. She launched “Maya’s Cafe”, a free, interactive website where fans could make virtual albums of their favorite Angelou quotes.
Angelou also joined the hashtag-aware movement to bring attention to the plight of the African-American community. She created the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag, which later became its own international social media cause. In addition to tagging her inspirational posts with the hashtag, Angelou encouraged others to join the movement. She even co-authored a book about the movement, entitled “A Protest Against Injustice.”
Final Years
By her eighties, Maya Angelou had become an internationally known figure and a leader of civil rights initiatives. In her fourth and final memoir released in 2013, she discussed her battle with health problems and her dedication to the cause of civil rights and equality.
In 2014, Angelou’s health continued to deteriorate and she was ultimately hospitalized. She died peacefully at the age of 86 with her family by her side. Her beloved family, friends, and fans around the world were proud to have had her as an advocate and leader. Her passing is a reminder of the lasting impact she had on civil rights, education, and our culture as a whole.
Legacy of Hope
Maya Angelou’s life, writing, and activism stand as a testament to her optimism and hope for a brighter tomorrow for all. At the heart of her philosophy was a belief in the power of the human spirit. Throughout her life, Angelou faced discrimination and endured inequality, but never stopped believing in her own power and the power of equality to create a better and more just world.
Angelou’s words touched lives far and wide and her legacy of justice and equality will continue to inspire generations to come. She left behind a world that no longer tolerates racial injustice, hatred, and violence and instead embraces hope, love, and peace. Her spirit will live on forever in the hearts and minds of people who encountered her indomitable spirit.
Tribute to a Legend
Maya Angelou, of blessed memory, was an icon of not only civil rights but also of liberation, hope, and self-expression. Her courage, her words, and her commitment to justice and liberty helped to shape our world and provide hope to millions.
We continue to be inspired by her work and her words, and are committed to living out her life’s message of hope, peace, and justice. We commemorate her life and honor her memory so that her legacy is never forgotten. We will strive for a society that upholds the power of education and the value and importance of civil rights and social justice.
