Maya Angelou, the acclaimed American poet, is a figure of great renown, who marks her presence in cultural hues of the American populace. Born on the 4th of April 1928, the poet is 92 years of age today. Throughout her life, she has borne witness to numerous events, from the great civil rights struggle to the fall of segregation, and her works have characterized this journey. Her latest book titled “The Heart of a Woman” is also an example of her long creative career.
Angelou’s age may be determined through a variety of sources. Notably, her personal birth certificate states her year of birth as 1928. Additionally, public records such as the 1940 United States Census have provided the public with further details regarding her age. This document was released on the 1st June 1940, which implies that during this time, the poet was 12 years of age. These records corroborate her claimed year of birth and thus, allow us to accurately assess Maya Angelou’s age.
Apart from these primary sources, various reports, interviews, and programs have provided an outlet for discussing and exploring the age of Maya Angelou. Furthermore, her acclaimed works such as her 1969 memoir titled “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, provides an intimate look into her life journey, one which began at the dawn of the 20th century.
Angelou’s age means that she has lived through some of the most iconic eras in 20th century America, such as World War 2, the civil rights movement, the rise of the black middle class, and the increasing hold of feminism. This makes her a living witness to history. Her works often reflect this multifaceted experience, with themes of race, poverty, gender and sexuality, often acting as catalysts for dialogue.
It is due to this passion and dedication to her life’s work that the poet has maintained her culturally significant presence. To date, Maya Angelou has published more than a dozen autobiographies, plays, and books of poetry, all of which have resonated with various generations of readers, offering them an authentic insight into a bold and unapologetic life.
The Life of Maya Angelou: Exploring her Cultural Impact
The life of Maya Angelou has been a long and engaging one, who has seen and gone through many changes in American history. The incendiary topics found in her works are not just a reflection of her life experiences, but they illustrate her desire to advocate for social justice and move the discussion forward.
Her works include “And Still I Rise”, a collection of general poems, and “Oh Pray My Wings are Gonna Fit Me Well,” a civil rights-oriented book of poetry. She has also released two volumes of essays: “A Brave and Startling Truth” and “Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now.” Lastly, her tell-all memoir, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” showcases her unapologetic views on the politics of race and gender, paving the path for other creative minds to explore the same topics.
Interestingly, the cultural impact of Maya Angelou is also rooted in her famous appearances in films and television shows, such as “Roots” and “Portlandia.” Regarding films, Angelou has made memorable appearances in critically acclaimed movies such as “Phenomenon”, in which she played the role of an old woman. Moreover, her works have also been adapted by reputable film directors such as Ava DuVernay.
In addition to this, Maya Angelou has set the bar on stage performances, often filling amphitheaters filled with applause and roaring laughter. Through her use of metaphors and her breath-taking narrations, she continues to inspire a new generation of poets and writers.
Perhaps most significantly, Angelou’s works have had immense impacts on music. Aside from the fact that some of the greatest artists have cited them as inspirational, the poet has released numerous spoken word albums such as “Gather Together in My Name”, a collection of autobiographical stories.
The Legacy of Maya Angelou
Due to her immense influence in the arts, Maya Angelou has achieved iconic status, being awarded numerous accolades. These awards include the National Book Award and being appointed to the National Council of the Arts. Additionally, her works have been inducted into the National book awards Hall of Fame.
Angelou has also been honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States of America. Similarly, in 2011, she was awarded the Lincoln Medal for her immense contributions to the country and culture.
Aside from these recognition, Angelou’s works have also found their way into several educational curriculums, allowing future generations to broaden their scope of knowledge. This is especially seen in works such as her autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, being studied by students around the world.
Her works have also inspired numerous researchers and scholars to further the conversation of race and gender in academic circles. In honor of her impacts, several universities have also granted her honorary degrees such as Doctor of Letters and of Humane Letters.
Finally, her works have also been commemorated through silent protests such as the National Moment of Silence, held in 2020 in honor of victims of systemic injustice. Moreover, numerous exhibits have honored Angelou, such as the Smithsonian Exhibit. Similarly, programs such as the Maya Angelou Emerging Writers Program, continue to traverse her works and open up her life’s mission for others to explore.
Continuing the Work of Maya Angelou
The work of Maya Angelou will live on even after her passing. Due to the strength of her writings, her words continue to inspire generations of readers. The power of her words has afforded people the opportunity to learn more about the lives of African Americans and the struggles they faced.
Angelou’s works have also instilled a sense of courage and perseverance in its readers, who are usually comprised of younger generations. Through her works, readers understand that no matter how difficult circumstances may seem, one can always find the will and courage to stand up and speak truth to power.
Similarly, her words have provided readers with the tools and techniques to find the strength to combat injustice and oppression. Angelou’s works have unlocked new ways of understanding the power dynamics of race and gender, inspiring readers to ask difficult questions and partake in the ongoing social revolution.
Moreover, her works are shining a light on the amazing legacy she has left and the way she has impacted and changed the world. They continue to challenge and shake up the foundations of a society that is still living in the shadows of institutionalized racism. Her final book, “Mom &Me & Mom”, is a powerful testament to her life and journey as a poet.
Angelou’s Impact on the Music Scene
The music industry has also been heavily influenced by the words of Maya Angelou. Many musicians have adopted her themes of race, gender and oppression, creating amazing pieces of art, materials and tracks. Her influence has been seen in the works of greats such as Erykah Badu, Tupac Shakur, India Arie and Lauryn Hill, who have all covered her works.
Moreover, as a poet, Angelou was heavily involved in the spoken word and poetry movement, which was heavily popularized in the late 90s and early 2000s. Her thought-provoking words challenged and redefined the status quo when it came to racial and gender issues. In the process, she inspired several poets to follow suit, furthering the cause of civil rights and the need to speak truth to power.
Angelou’s words have also transcended genres, appearing in various hip-hop and rap covers, as well as R&B, Reggae and Pop songs. Similarly, various rock and folk artists have also chosen her verses as material in their works.
In addition to her influence in music, Maya Angelou’s poems have also been featured in theater productions, such as the musical “Phenomenal Women,” written and directed by Kamilah Forbes and Judith Jamison. The musical pays tribute to Angelou’s legacy, igniting conversations about the power of the spoken words.
The Future of Maya Angelou’s Legacy
Although Maya Angelou has now passed away, her words will continue to have an immense impact on the cultural and historical landscape of the United States and the world. Furthermore, the poet is counting on future generations to build upon her legacy, using her words to further the conversations of race and gender in a meaningful manner.
Her works are also increasingly being featured in online publications and websites, allowing readers to access them without much difficulty. Similarly, her life’s works are now becoming available on streaming services such as Audible, Amazon Kindle, and Spotify.
In the coming years, Angelou’s words are expected to find their way into more mainstream conversations about bigotry and racism in America. Through her works, we will be able to further the conversations and keep her legacy alive, encouraging future generations to learn from and apply her wisdom.
Perhaps most importantly, Angelou’s words will continue to provide readers with incredible tools and techniques to confront oppression, prejudice and bigotry, adding a new dimension to the conversation.
