Maya Angelou was an inspirational American writer, poet, actress, and educator, best known for her autobiographical writing about her life experiences and struggles. Here are some interesting facts about her remarkable life and career:
1. She Acted in Films from the 1960s to the 1980s: Angelou had roles in big-budget films such as Roots: The Next Generations and also appeared in TV shows like Hill Street Blues. She also wrote plays, directed movies and wrote for television.
2. She Authored Several Books: Angelou is perhaps best known for her several autobiographical works, including the Pulitzer Prize-nominated I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. She also wrote poetry books and essays.
3. She Was Awarded over 200 Honorary Degrees: Angelou was well-regarded for her works, and recognized by numerous awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Harvard University awarded her the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, making her the first African American female to be given such honor.
Social Activism
In addition to her writing and acting career, Angelou was also a monumental social activist. Her activism spanned from local to global issues, and she was an active civil rights advocate throughout her life. She had close relationships with many prominent individuals such as Dr. Martin Luther King Junior and Malcolm X, and served as the Northern Coordinator for Martin Luther King Junior’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
She was an active public speaker, voicing her support for gay rights, the anti-apartheid movement, and the US civil rights movement. She also worked to increase awareness of the need for economic freedom for African Americans. Throughout her entire life, Angelou was an advocate for civil rights and social justice, and her activism had a great impact on the world.
Accomplishments
In her near 90 years of life, Angelou accomplished a remarkable amount. She held the title of Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University, and was the first African American woman hired to the university’s faculty. Her notable works of literature, music, television, and film spread her message of social justice and human rights around the world.
Her autobiographical works, in particular, challenged the public’s understanding of race and racism in the United States, and she also highlighted the difficulties faced by its African American citizens. She was an inspiration to many, and her works and activism laid the foundations for generations of civil rights activists to come.
Legacy
Angelou left behind a legacy of advocacy and hard work, and her words, works, and activism had a tremendous impact on the world. She left an enduring mark on the social and civil rights movement in the United States, and her works raised awareness of the disparities faced by African Americans. She was an excellent role model for young people and had a great influence on the world.
Her influence extended far beyond her own life, and her works of literature, lectures, and activism continue to inspire people to this day. Angelou has left a lasting impression on the world and her memory will continue to live on for generations to come.
Awards and Honours
On top of her many accomplishments, Angelou was also recognized around the world for her works and activism. In 2011, she was awarded her third Grammy Award and also became the second poet in history to deliver a poem at a presidential inauguration. She was appointed as the Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in 1982 and was named a lifetime board member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
Angelou was also included in Oprah Winfrey’s Hall of Fame and was honored by the United States government with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. She was honored with numerous awards for her works and activism, including the NAACP Image Award and the National Medal of Arts.
Personal Life
Outside of her professional life, Angelou was also a cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was married twice in her life and had a daughter, but that relationship did not last. Her relationship with her daughter was challenging, but she worked hard to repair it.
The rest of her family was close-knit and beloved by Angelou. She lived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she had many friends and family members. She was a passionate traveler who experienced many different cultures and countries, and she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
