How Old Was Maya Angelou? May Angelou was an American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist who has been recognized worldwide for her inspiring works. After starting her career as a calypso singer in San Francisco in the 1950s, she emerged as one of the most acclaimed voices of contemporary literature. In her life, she achieved an immense amount of success, including over fifty honorary degrees, multiple Grammy Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Unfortunately, the world lost Maya Angelou in 2014, but her works continue to live on in the hearts of those who love her.
It’s certain that Maya left many lasting impressions, but perhaps the biggest mystery of her life is her actual age. Despite her years of fame, no one is exactly sure of how old Maya was when she died. There are a variety of rumors surrounding her exact age, with reports ranging from 86 to 92. What’s certain is that Maya Angelou was born on April 4th, 1928, meaning she was 76 when the world mourned her loss.
The amount of work Maya did throughout her lifetime is remarkable, considering she was able to do so much in such a short amount of time. In her later years, she had received over 50 honorary degrees, including ones from prestigious universities like Dartmouth and Harvard. She also wrote over 30 books of poetry, fiction and non-fiction, and essays. On top of that, she also gained recognition for her words and works of art, winning multiple awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
Ultimately, estimating Maya Angelou’s age is a challenge, since she was able to accomplish so much in such a short life and had so many amazing outcomes. Reports vary on her exact age when she died, but the amazing amount of work she did in her lifetime remains a testament to how long she actually lived. No matter how old she was, Maya Angelou will always be remembered as an influential figure in history who inspired people worldwide with her powerful words.
Maya Angelou’s Early Works
Maya Angelou was a talented writer who debuted in 1952 with her first book, entitled Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Die. She wrote several books, including a memoir of her childhood titled I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This masterpiece was released in 1987 and was the first non-fiction bestseller from an African-American woman. Along with that, she also wrote two autobiographies which told the story of her own life. She also released many collections of poetry, including her most famous one, And Still I Rise, which sold 1.2 million copies and was also published in over 26 languages.
In addition to her writing works, she also wrote a Broadway show, composed numerous songs and an opera, and also became involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. That same year, she received international acclaim when she wrote one of the most inspiring pieces of the 20th century, her Phenomenal Woman poem. This was followed by her appearance on the “Tonight Show”, where she wowed the nation with her intellect and soulful voice.
Later on in her career, Maya wrote several books of essays, essays on African-American topics, several novels, and her own cookbook. With her help, she was even able to create a multi-cultural preschool in Atlanta that has since been used as a model for early childhood development. These collections of works were all done by the woman who shaped a generation and brought awareness to social injustice.
Maya Angelou always felt that literature was the ultimate power, which is what drove her to become one of the most influential singers of the Civil Rights Movement. She felt that a book was like a weapon that could direct one’s aim and aide in transformation. Her works empowered people to live their aspirations and never stop striving for greatness.
Her Inspirational Words
In her works, Maya Angelou inspired people to stand up for their rights, to continue persevering against all odds, and to never settle for the status quo. Her poems, essays, and other works of art communicated the true power of words, and the courage and strength that come with the ability to express yourself. In her various works, Angelou always wrote her words with the greatest intention, to lift up and inspire those who heard them.
Angelou wrote some of the most iconic lines of the 20th century, including her famous poem “Still I Rise,” in which she taught the world to never be discouraged by the darkness life may bring: “Out of the huts of history’s shame / I rise / Up from a past that’s rooted in pain / I rise […] 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.” These words showed the world her unstoppable strength and resilience even in the face of immense adversity. Even in death, Maya Angelou continues to serve as an inspiration to many.
Angelou also wrote one of her most beloved pieces, “Phenomenal Woman,” which resonates in the hearts of many. This successful poem is considered one of her most moving works, as she wrote it to encourage women of all ages to recognize their worth and power: “Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size / But when I start to tell them, they think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms, the span of my hips, The stride of my step, the curl of my lips. I’m a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.” With her words, Maya Angelou taught the world that beauty is subjective and the individual should never be underestimated.
Maya Angelou’s Legacy
The world lost Maya Angelou in 2014, but her legacy of courage, strength, and resilience lives on in many ways. She has been honored posthumously by the establishment of the Dr. Maya Angelou Leadership Academy for Girls, which works to provide quality education and leaders for the next generation. Along with that, her works continue to be published, inspiring and empowering people from around the world to stand up for their rights. Through her historical, poetic, and autobiographical works, she has become an icon of African-American literature, standing alongside the likes of Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, and Alice Walker.
In remembrance of her life, the US Postal Service honored her with a new stamp bearing her image, just one of the countless honors she has received since her death. In May of 2018, construction began for the International Maya Angelou Sculpture, which will be located in her hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This sculpture is sure to remind the world of all that Maya Angelou stood for, and how much of an impact she had on the literary and political worlds.
In an age where remarkable works of literature and art are hard to come by, Maya Angelou remains an icon of inspiration in our hearts. Her words will continue to be of great importance and serve as a reminder of the power of communication and perseverance. Her legacy of courage and strength lives on, and her spirit will continue to lead us on the path to justice and equality.
Maya Angelou’s Impact on the Literary and Political Worlds
Maya Angelou’s influence reaches far and wide. Her works have been featured in school curriculums, showcased in theatrical productions and movies, and even used in hip-hop and rap music. Her unique mix of literature, politics, and activism has impacted generations of readers. Tens of millions of students worldwide have either read her works or listened to her speeches; her writings became the guiding lights for people from all walks of life.
Her words were able to arouse strong emotions and ignite a spark of inspiration in listeners. Whether it was during a speech, on paper or through digital platforms, her works encouraged us to think differently; to see the world in a different light. She was also able to bring up uncomfortable conversations in her works, and allowed us to step outside of our comfort zone to consider topics that weren’t easy to discuss.
In the literary and political world, her works have served as a source of inspiration and action. Many of her writings address issues of racism, poverty, and gender inequality, which she actively worked to address. This has made her a powerful figure within various civil rights movements. It’s no wonder millions of people around the world felt her impact and looked to her writings and speeches for guidance.
Angelou was also a passionate fighter for justice, completely dedicated to the progress of people of color and women. Through her works and her activism, she gave hope to those who were excluded from the political circles. In her works, Maya Angelou was able to bridge the gap between ideas and make powerful statements about the current state of society.
Maya Angelou has been recognized for the impact that she’s had on the literary and political world, and rightfully so. Her words, poems, and speeches were timeless, and her powerful messages are still relevant and resonating across the world today. Whenever we feel discouraged, her words can offer solace; she is truly a pioneer of literature and an icon of resilience.
Conclusion
Maya Angelou’s impact on the world continues to be felt, even after her death in 2014. We can never be sure of her exact age, but the legacy she left behind is of immense value and continues to inspire people today. Her works are timeless, and her words remain powerful. We are forever indebted to her for her dedication to advancing civil rights and women’s rights. Her spirit lives on within the context of her works, and we should all continue to be empowered by the messages of hope that she brought to the world.
