Maya Angelou is the renowned and prolific author, poet, civil rights activist, and more who is remembered for her brilliance and accomplishments. Born in 1928 in St. Louis, Angelou’s writings and works have been inspiring and conserving the African-American influence for generations. So, how did Maya Angelou become famous?
Angelou’s first major accomplishment was as an actress and playwright joining Robert Roberts Theatre in San Francisco where she starred in a production, “Alamaya Rising.” Spanning all the way back to 1951, her involvement in theatre would’ve shadowed her later works. The first major poem Angelou wrote is a lyrical narrative named “Caged Bird” which aimed to express the hardships of Black people during the Civil Rights Movement.
In 1969, Angelou published her first memoir, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.” The book enjoyed immense success and is still highly regarded today. After her memoir, Angelou was invited to reciting her poem, “On the Pulse of Morning,” at ex-President Clinton’s inauguration in 1993 and this further amplified her popularity. She is best known for her works and several of her writings were published posthumously too.
Maya Angelou’s work has been referenced by prominent individuals such as the former President Barack Obama, Morgan Freeman, Louis Farrakhan and other notable individuals. In 2010, President Obama even presented Angelou with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her lifetime achievements.
Angelou was a revolutionary in the civil rights movement and cultural arena, and is a source of inspiration to many, even in 2021. She took her fame and used it to teach and spread awareness of the struggles of African Americans and other vulnerable populations. She also shed light on pressing issues such as racism, sexism, ageism and other forms of oppression in her literature.
Early life of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson on April 4th, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. At the age of three, she moved to Stamps, Arkansas with her brother, Bailey Johnson, Jr. where Angelou and her brother attended an all-black school. Angelou was so determined to learn that she taught herself to read at the age of four and memorized complete books.
At the age of eight, Angelou was molested by her mother’s boyfriend, and after a brief trial, the man was released. Following the incident, she lost her voice and had a deep insecurity in herself. Her grandmother and mother were very religious and were guided by the beliefs of Christianity which proved to be her moral guidance in her later years.
Angelou was introduced to the arts in her early childhood as her mother was a dancer and jazz singer that often took her to the numerous plays and revues in the 1940s. Angelou often talked about the influential role of North Carolina College for Negroes and the spirituality and strength of her grandmother.
Maya Angelou’s Literary Influences
Angelou’s life experiences provided plenty of material and inspiration for her writing. While the roots of most of her work lie in her experiences as a black person, her work is enriched by the various cultures, traditions and places whose sights, sounds and flavors informed her works.
Angelou is particularly noted for her use of language, which combines a variety of stylistic elements including narration, poetry and excerpts from conversations with other people. Her writing style was shaped by her exposure to many different cultures and her own struggles with identity and self-expression. Her poems are deeply personal, often weaving together lyrical accounts of physical and emotional landscapes.
Angelou was heavily influenced by the work of Langston Hughes, a renowned poet, playwright and civil rights activist whose work revolved around the struggles of African-Americans. Angelou also cited William Shakespeare, John Keats and William Wordsworth as literary influences.
Furthermore, her early involvement with the American civil rights movement and her admiration for several leading African-American activists and thinkers, including Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., had a profound effect on her many works.
Maya Angelou’s Social Activism
Angelou has long been a powerful and influential figure in the civil rights movement. She was an ardent supporter of Martin Luther King Jr.’s strategy of civil disobedience and actively engaged in Black Panther Party demonstrations and marches, and even wrote several pieces of politically charged literature in response to contemporary political and social unrest.
Angelou was a key figure in the creation of the National holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and she frequently spoke in support of women’s rights. Her activism wasn’t limited to the civil rights movement; she also participated in environmental causes and anti-poverty efforts. In addition, Angelou serves as a role model for individuals of all races, educating them about their rights and freedoms.
Angelou’s activism is centered around the idea of liberation from oppressive structures and ideologies. Throughout her career, she has managed to reach and influence scores of people, creating a safe space for them to explore their own identities and stories, in hopes of creating a better world.
Awards And Recognitions Of Maya Angelou
For her immense literary and civil rights activism, Angelou has received numerous recognitions and awards. She was the first African-American screenwriter to have a script produced, got the Pulitzer nomination for her autobiographical novel “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. In 2011, she was named the first African American Reynolds professor of American studies at Wake Forest University.
The U.S. government awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010 and she is one of the most honored authors of literature in modern times. Angelou was appointed Lecturer of American Poetry at the Library of Congress and worked with the organization for several years.
In 2011, she won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work Non-Fiction for her memoir, “Mom and Me and Mom.” Angelou was also honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and even got the National Medal of Arts from former President Barack Obama.
Legacy Of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou had an inspirational legacy that has continued to live on through her words and works. Her writings inspired many to achieve greatness and recognize the beauty of life and encouraged others to stand up for injustices against people of color or any kind of oppression. Her humanitarian work in creating awareness and inspiring social change will never be forgotten.
Angelou is remembered as a staple in American history and often gets referred to as a motivating speaker and poet. Numerous high schools, universities and other organizations aim to incorporate her teachings through their curriculum and programming.
Angelou’s presence is still felt in many places and her influence was not just limited to literature and activism. She often used her platform to promote peace and understanding amongst people of different backgrounds, beliefs and cultures.
Her Life’s Purpose
Maya Angelou’s life was dedicated to encouraging the next generation of people to reach for greatness and defy their expected roles in the world. She wanted to break the mold of what was deemed socially acceptable and pave a new path for the future generations of her people
Throughout her life, Angelou evolved and delivered iconic experiences through her words, creating a brand that celebrated the power of being a black woman. She was a beacon of courage and strength to many, even in the times of turbulent hardships her commitment to express her art stayed strong. Angelou’s entire life was dedicated to her purpose and served as an example of what could be achieved when passion and resilience align.
Her Influence on Modern Day Poetry
In more recent times, Angelou’s legacy and impact has continued through her activity on the world stage. Angelou was a major influencer in the 21st century, such that her words and messages serve as a symbol of liberation and courage. Her famous lines such as “you may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise” serves as a source of inspiration to millions of people worldwide.
Her works are still celebrated and often referred to in popular culture. Angelou helped shape televised conversations, award show speeches and the rise of digital poets, bridging the gap between decades of spoken word poetry and the commercial success of the genre’s current stars.
Angelou’s influence and iconic presence still lives on in her works and literature. She has left with the world with a plethora of amazing teachings, works and sentiments for generations to come.
