Maya Angelou was an iconic American writer, poet, actress and civil rights leader, and her life and works have been celebrated around the world. As a result, her name is often mentioned by both literary scholars and lay readers alike. But how do you pronounce Maya Angelou?
The name Maya Angelou is typically pronounced as “MY-uh AN-juh-low”, where the emphasis falls on the second syllable. This variation on the name was used by Angelou when she was an adult and is now how most people refer to her. However, it is important to note that her name was originally pronounced differently.
When Angelou was born, she was given the name Marguerite Annie Johnson. As a child, her grandmother and others around her used the nicknames “Rita” and “Maya”. It was only when Angelou became a poet and actress that she adopted the name Maya Angelou as her professional name and began to pronounce it as “MY-uh”.
It is always a good practice to remember the names of historical figures with respect and in the way that they intended them to be remembered. It is for this reason that it is important to remember how Angelou herself pronounced her name; “MY-uh AN-juh-low”.
Many people have been inspired by Angelou’s life and works, and her name has become a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. So it is only fitting that we remember to pronounce Maya Angelou’s name in the way that she meant it to be.
The Origins of Maya Angelou’s Name
The name Maya Angelou has had diverse cultural and historical origins. Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4th, 1928, to parents Vivian Baxter Johnson and Bailey Johnson. Vivian, who was Miss Johnson to her friends, aspired for her daughter to eventually become a singer, resulting in the birth name of Marguerite.
Maya was her childhood nickname, a version of her middle name. It has Greek origins, meaning “great one” or “mother”, and is also derived from the Hindu goddess Durga, known as the embodiment of divine power. Angelou, from the Italian angelo, means “angel” and was given to her as a surname when her father remarried. As an adult, Angelou was able to use her name as an expression of her identity and heritage.
The combination of Maya and Angelou also has added deeper meanings. In the Hindu and Buddhist cultures, Maya is a term for creative energy, as well as an alias for the divine source. In Christianity, Angelou is an expression of the importance and beauty of the divine messenger. Therefore, it is clear that when she changed her birth name to Maya Angelou, Angelou was making a very personal statement about her views of herself and the world.
When Angelou became a recognizable public figure, she took on the pronunciation of her name as “MY-uh AN-juh-low”. Thus, to honor one of the leading figures in American literature, it is important to remember that the correct pronunciation of Maya Angelou is “MY-uh AN-juh-low”.
The Legacy of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s name is synonymous with resilience and determination in the face of adversity. During her artistry and activism, Angelou spoke out against injustices suffered by the Black community and authored Gather Together in My Name, an autobiography that explored her rape, homelessness, sexual self-discovery, and hard fought-for independence.
Angelou’s works have been loved and shared around the world, and she even gained the nations highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, for her brave and honest words about her struggles and experiences. To this day, Angelou continues to inspire us all to be resilient and stand up for what is right.
Angelou’s memory and her works will never die, and her name is sure to live on and be remembered. By honoring Angelou’s name and its correct pronunciation, we can continue to honor and remember the legacy and importance of her works.
Maya Angelou’s Role in American Literature
Maya Angelou is one of the most distinguished and revered figures in American literature. Her works focus on themes of self-awareness, identity, racial oppression, and justice and reflect the struggles of African Americans in the twentieth century. Angelou wrote and published her first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, in 1969, earning her the status of an iconic American writer.
Angelou’s works have had a lasting impact on generations of readers, both Black and White. Alongside the psychological and historical content, Angelou conveys much wisdom in her works, encouraging readers to accept and overcome experiences of trauma or adversity. Her words paint beautiful pictures that provide solace and comfort to readers across the world.
Angelou’s efforts to help end racial injustice have been rewarded through numerous awards, including honorary degrees from numerous colleges and universities and an Emmy award for her supporting role in the TV series ‘Roots’. She even published seven collections of poetry, earning her the position of the first Black woman to have a nonfiction bestseller.
Maya Angelou’s influence in American literature is undeniable. Her works not only helped to shape what is considered to be canonical American literature, but they have also provided solace and comfort to generations of readers across the world.
Maya Angelou’s Contribution to Art and Music
In addition to her literary works, Maya Angelou was also an active supporter of the arts. In the 1970s, her public career took off with her appearance on stage and in films. She also served as a consultant on the TV mini-series Alex Haley’s ‘Roots’ in the 1980s and was the first Black woman to direct a feature film, via the feature-length documentary ‘Georgia, Georgia’.
Angelou was also an established singer and musician. She began her singing career in the 1950s off-Broadway, eventually making her way to the world stage. Her roles in films and stage plays propelled her music career to international fame and she became well-known for her renditions of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ and ‘Ave Maria’.
Angelou was also an influential presence in spoken word poetry, incorporating African American music hall into her performances. Her work was celebrated around the world and she took on many roles in the media, including being a consultant for the California Arts Council and a regular presenter on American talk shows.
Angelou’s contribution to art and music was tremendous and was instrumental in expanding what was considered to be acceptable in the mainstream. Her influence has truly been felt across generations and continues to be celebrated and remembered to this day.
The Impact of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou is an icon of the modern era; an inspiration to people around the world, regardless of gender, race, nationality or political views. Her works, including books and films, continue to be celebrated, referenced and read to this day, and her name has become a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Angelou’s words and works are as relevant today as they were decades ago, with her books selling in the millions, and her plays, songs and films playing to packed theatres. Her influence on American literature, arts and culture is undeniable, and her inspirational words have been quoted by millions.
Angelou’s name has become a part of language, with her books formulating her definition of womanhood. She has truly impacted a generation and beyond, with her messages of hope and strength impacting the lives of many. So it is clear that Maya Angelou’s name, and its correct pronunciation, will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
