Maya Angelou, better known as Marguerite Annie Johnson, was a highly esteemed and much admired American author, poet, singer, performer, and civil rights activist. During her lifetime, she held a variety of occupations as a dancer, journalist, professor, activist, and television and film producer. Maya Angelou was married three times and had three children, sons Guy and Colin Johnson, and granddaughter Estelle Johnson.
Her eldest son, Guy, was born to her first husband, Tosh Angelos, and her youngest son, Colin, was the result of her marriage to Paul du Feu. She was a successful working mother, who single-handedly raised her two sons, and often left them in the care of friends or family while she pursued her many career paths.
Maya also had another child, her granddaughter, Estelle Johnson. Estelle was born to Maya’s son Guy. Despite never legally adopting her, Maya maintained a close relationship with Estelle, nurturing and mentoring her grandchild throughout her life.In 1993, Maya was honored with the Lonnie Angel Award for her “exceptional bond” between her and her granddaughter.
Maya Angelou was an active and devoted grandmother to Estelle, and often spoke fondly of her. She wrote in her book of poems, “Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now,” “I said, I will come back when Estelle is born/For I have seen the power of being here/The same power that established the world and makes planets roll.” She also stated that her relationship with her grandchild was “a great and transforming experience in my life.”
Although many think of Maya Angelou as a mother of two children, she was also a grandmother to Estelle and a devoted caregiver throughout her life. Even as her fame increased, Maya never hesitated in ensuring that Estelle had the support and love she needed to excel. Maya Angelou considered her one daughter and three grandchildren an extension of her own family.
The Impact of Maya Angelou as a Grandmother
Maya Angelou’s impact as a grandmother is more than just symbolic. Estelle Johnson credited her grandmother with being “so central in shaping my identity” and her worldview. Estelle further stated that Maya Angelou’s advice and her stories “meant the world to me”.
During the Angelos-du Feu family reunions, Maya Angelou was always a central figure. Whether planning the family trips or providing them with life advice, her presence was felt through her words and actions.In an interview with Missouri Breaks Magazine, Estelle described these reunions as “the most amazing times in our lives” as her grandmother’s “timeless wisdom was our guide to the best summers ever”.
Moreover, Maya Angelou was always open and honest with Estelle, often sharing intimate details of her life that Estelle treasured. Estelle reflected in the interview, “It was such a great feeling having her vulnerability and honesty, knowing that she was willing to expose everything in order to give me the best advice.”
In addition to her wisdom and dedicated care, Maya Angelou, as a grandmother, was an open-minded supporter. Estelle attested that her grandmother provided unconditional love and “never made any judgement over my actions”.
In sum, Maya Angelou was a supportive, wise, and caring grandmother, whose unconditional love and selflessness made her a model for her granddaughter and the rest of her family; a legacy that continues to live on today.
The Significance of Grandmothers in the African American Community
The influence of grandmothers plays an important role in the African-American community. Grandmothers have been seen as a powerful force in African-American culture, as they are often the keeper of family traditions, cultural knowledge and moral codes. This is visible in Maya Angelou’s relationship with her grandchild, Estelle Johnson.
In the African-American community, grandmothers often serve as surrogate parent figures to those who are not in contact with their biological parents. As maternal figures, they are often looked to for comfort, advice and strength. They provide comfort in times of sorrow, solace in difficult times, and guidance during difficult life issues.
Grandmothers are also responsible for teaching the children in their families the family’s cultural and religious traditions. The lessons taught by them often last long after they have passed down to the next generations. As part of this teaching, grandmothers are also devoted to imparting values such as respect for the elderly, obedience, and the strength of standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
Grandmothers are also healers of the family, which is why it is so important that family members and elders in the African-American community have close relationships with them. They can bring together different generations to maintain the family’s oral history, which is an invaluable tool for maintaining the roots of their culture in this changing world.
Maya Angelou was a remarkable example of such a grandmother in the African American community, embodying the values of respect, integrity, and strong familial bonds.
The Influence of Grandmothers on Society as a Whole
Maya Angelou was a role model and mentor to Estelle Johnson, as well as many others, and her influence on society is far-reaching. Grandmothers are essential to many families, and the positive impact that they have on society as a whole cannot be understated.
Through the generations, the influence of grandmothers has been found to help maintain a strong social network of support within families and extend beyond the family to the larger community. Grandmothers often serve as the family’s historians, sharing stories and values from generation to generation. The knowledge and wisdom that they share serve as invaluable guidance for their children, grandchildren, and beyond.
Grandmothers also provide invaluable support for their children, grandchildren, and the community. They often serve as mentors and content knowledge providers, helping others develop the skills that they need to succeed. Their support, love, and guidance are essential in helping those around them feel empowered and capable of taking on the challenges that life has to offer.
Grandmothers serve as a reminder that we should always strive to be kind and compassionate towards one another. And lastly, the influence of grandmothers is profound in that they give us hope and remind us that there are those around us who care for us and are here to build us up during difficult times.
The influence of grandmothers is an essential part of our society, and Maya Angelou was an exemplary example of the impact that these incredible women have on society.
Maya Angelou and Her Legacy
Maya Angelou’s life and legacy must be celebrated and remembered. She was an inspiration to many and a source of strength and courage to many more.
In addition to her celebrated literary works, music and activism, Maya Angelou will be remembered for her devotion and commitment to her family, her self-actualization, her unwavering love for her community, and her dedication to her grandchild, Estelle.
Maya Angelou was an amazing mother and grandmother who used her life to teach and mentor her children and grandchildren. By modeling her own life and expressing her philosophy around family, she taught her family the values of self-determination, love, empathy, respect and understanding.
By spreading these values and teachings, Maya Angelou will continue to live on in not only the memories of her family and friends, but in the lives of anyone whose life she touched. Her legacy and spirit will live on, and will be remembered.
The Legacy of Maya Angelou Today
The legacy of Maya Angelou continues to live on and remain an integral part of our society today. Her powerful words and teaching continue to be celebrated and discussed, as they serve as an important reminder of the immense strength, courage, and hope she had to offer the world.
Her life and legacy are also a reminder of the power of love, and the importance of family and community. Her works and words still have an impact today, and serve to remind us that we all have something to offer the world.
Maya Angelou also continues to be a beacon of hope for all of us. Despite all of the difficulties she faced in life, she was a champion for diversity and peace, and worked to empower the marginalized and oppressed. Her words and works continue to serve as a reminder that change can happen, and that it is possible to overcome any obstacle.
Maya Angelou was an inspiring figure and continues to inspire many today. Through her works, her wisdom, and her love, she made an everlasting impact on our world.