Maya Angelou was a prolific American author, poet, actor, director and civil rights activist. She was awarded over 50 honorary degrees and was the first woman to deliver a commencement speech at a University. Her accomplishments and legacy are too vast to list in full, yet here is a short overview of some of the most significant contributions she made during her lifetime. Firstly, Angelou was a critically acclaimed author, best known for her autobiographical works. She wrote seven autobiographies, as well as numerous volumes of poetry. Her most famous autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, was an important work in the civil rights movement and has remained a beloved classic ever since. Furthermore, Angelou was a world-renowned civil rights leader. As a consultant to Martin Luther King, she helped organize the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and was instrumental in the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. As a passionate activist, she sought to promote equal rights and opportunities for women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Lastly, Angelou was a formidable public figure. Her many titles included television writer, poet, lecturer, songwriter, producer, and others.
Maya Angelou’s Writing
One of Angelou’s foremost accomplishments was her work as a celebrated author. In 1969, Angelou wrote her debut autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The book was a massive success, and has gone on to become one of the best-selling works of modern literature. Its honest and raw examination of her experiences and observations as an African-American living in the segregated south, as well as its powerful themes of race, identity and feminism have made it a foundational work in not just the African-American experience, but also women’s literature. Following this success, Angelou would go on to write five more autobiographies, as well as numerous volumes of poetry. Her ability to poignantly capture her experiences of growing up in the segregated American south, as well as her powerful themes of race, identity and feminism, made her an influential and beloved author.
Maya Angelou’s Activism
As an active civil rights leader and ardent political activist, Maya Angelou strove to bring true equality to every marginalized community. She served on two presidential committees, under President Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, as well as being an active member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, headed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Furthermore, Angelou advocated for the rights of disabled persons, the LGBTQIA+ community, immigrant communities and the disenfranchised in general. Her legacy of activism lives on to this day, Dr. Maya Angelou’s foundation working to promote access to education, understanding of social justice issues, and make sure that the voices of minority communities are heard.
Maya Angelou’s Public Persona
Angelou was a commanding public figure, gracing the stages of the world with her powerful performances and lectures. She wrote music, appeared in television shows and acted in Aleksander Petrov’s Three Soaps, earning an Emmy-nomination for her performance. Angelou was in high demand as a lecturer, delivering her speeches and reciting her stirring poems all around the world. Such was her popularity, that Angelou was the first woman to deliver a commencement speech at a University in the United States, a certain Dr. Angela Davis, who Angelou invited out of the audience and hailed as a powerful figure when the white administration of the time refused to invite her to be the graduating speaker.
Maya Angelou’s Cultural Significance
Angelou’s many accomplishments have made her a figure of immense importance in American culture, as well as an international icon. Her memoirs I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, A Song Flung Up To Heaven and All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes have become modern classics. Maya Angelou was one of the most beloved writers, poets, and activists of her time, speaking out unequivocally against racism and inequality, while also advocating strongly for the rights of women and minorities. As such she attained a global fame, which was reflected in the countless tributes and awards she was given, such as over 50 honorary degrees and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Maya Angelou’s Legacy
At the time of her death in 2014, Angelou had accomplished more than most could dreams of in their lifetime. She inspired generations of people around the world and her legacy of activism, writing and performance will endure for many years to come. Through her powerful works and public speaking, Angelou sought to spread understanding and peace and to promote the rights and understanding of minorities, women, the disabled and members of the LGBT community. She has, and always will be, an inspirational and important presence in literature, human rights and the struggle for equality.
Maya Angelou’s Accomplishments in Literature
Maya Angelou’s work as a writer is often overlooked when her accomplishments are discussed. Angelou wrote seven autobiographies as well as numerous volumes of poetry. She grew renown for works such as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings which deviated from the traditional autobiographies of the day by incorporating elements of fiction into her self-narration. Her writing always demonstrated an unflinching honesty about her experiences and observations as an African-American, as well as her profound understanding of the women’s experience and feminism. Therefore, her work has come to represent a cultural touchstone within African-American and women’s literature.
Maya Angelou’s Relationships With Famous Figures
During her lifetime, Angelou formed many relationships with influential figures. As mentioned earlier, she was a consultant to Martin Luther King, and helped organize the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. She also formed relationships with influential authors such as James Baldwin, and renowned South African Singer Miriam Makeba. In addition, she was awarded over 50 honorary degrees and became the highest-paid poet in America in the 1980s. These connections drew attention to the power of her work and remain as testaments to her greatness.
Maya Angelou’s Celebrated Track Record
Throughout her life, Maya Angelou was celebrated with many awards. She was bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, as well as numerous Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards. Angelou also won several civil and human rights awards, including a Chicago Literary Hall of Fame award and a National Book Award that was presented to her by acclaimed author, Toni Morrison. In addition, she was granted over 50 honorary degrees by Universities around the world.
