Maya Angelou, one of the most renowned and respected African-American female authors, is a living legend and an iconic figure of the 20th century. She was born on April 4, 1928 and passed away in 2014, aged 86. In her life she wrote several autobiographies, essays and poetry collections as well as serving as a director and an actress. Her writing and her interactions with people made her a world-famous figure.
By the time of her death, Maya Angelou’s works had made her one of the most beloved authors of her generation. In the face of many adversities, she had become a symbol of courage, compassion and resilience. Her passing left a void in the literary world and her legacy endured in the hearts and souls of many.
Today, although Maya Angelou is no longer with us, her writing and her words continue to comfort and enlighten readers across the world. Her books have achieved over 20 million sales in total, and she’s been highly influential on generations of writers. Her works have received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In addition, her works continue to gain recognition and acclamation, often being seen as works of art.
People also continue to be inspired by Maya Angelou’s life and legacy. From her refusal to be bowed down by oppression and abuse to her strength of character and courage in the face of adversity and racism, Angelou is widely viewed as a role model for many. Her words still resonate with people and continue to be shared across the world.
In addition, her works are actively preserved and promoted through the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, a research and training center based at Wake Forest School of Medicine. This center is dedicated to the preservation of her works and her message of hope and resilience. By doing this, they ensure that Angelou’s legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated even after her passing.
Legacy
In her life, Maya Angelou touched the lives of millions of people through her words and her works. Her books and her stories continue to be widely read, and her poetry and quotations continually shared. Through her works, she inspired many and left a lasting impression on the literary world.
Maya Angelou’s words and her work have been immortalized through the National Portrait Gallery and her legacy is further preserved through the archive at the Schomburg Center of the New York Public Library. She has also been honored through memorials and tributes all over the world. From her childhood memorial in North Carolina to her Bust in Central Park, her memory will live on for years to come.
Further, Maya Angelou is remembered for her warm and generous spirit, which she embodied in her life and in her works. Even today, many turn to her works for solace in difficult times, and her words never fail to bring comfort.
Influence
Maya Angelou has been highly influential in the literary world, her works and her words inspiring readers for generations. Writers and poets alike have drawn inspiration from her works, which often touched on themes of racism, oppression and resilience.
Her writing was also highly empathic, her works presenting both the sorrow of oppression and also the strength of perseverance and resilience. She also wrote powerfully on themes such as self-love, giving readers a sense of comfort and hope in adversity. In this way, Angelou was a powerful voice for those who often felt unheard and unseen.
Many believe that Angelou’s work contributed greatly to the emergence of Black literature in the 20th century and the elevation of African-American female writers. Her books have touched the lives of many, and her words and stories will live on for generations to come.
Accomplishments
Maya Angelou was a highly accomplished woman. She was a star dancer, performer and civil rights leader, a critical thinker and a fiery orator. In her life, she achieved numerous awards and accolades.
She received several honorary doctorates and several two Pulitzer Prize nominations for her book, I know Why the Caged Bird Sings. She was also honored by the National Endowment for the Humanities and a lifetime honor from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women.
In addition, Maya Angelou achieved international acclaim, having been invited to lecture in several countries and also having held positions on the boards of many organizations. She also had her own production company and was an active voice in the civil rights movement.
Influential Quotes
Throughout her life, Maya Angelou was known for her powerful quotes and her wise words. Her written works were full of courageous and compassionate phrases, some of which have become iconic to this day.
Some of her most famous quotes include: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better”, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time”, “Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in this world, but has not solved one yet”, and “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
These words are powerful reminders of her message of resilience, strength and hope, and they continue to live on in the hearts and minds of many.
Legacy of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s legacy lives on today, her spirit remaining ever-present in the literary world. Her written works continue to bring comfort to those in need of strength, courage and hope, perpetuating her timeless message of resilience.
Her words still inspire readers, her stories still bring solace, her influence still extends across the generations, and her legacy of courage and resilience continues to live on. Maya Angelou may no longer be here, but her words, her stories and her legacy will continue for many generations to come.
