Maya Angelou was one of the most influential and inspirational authors of the twentieth century. She was a poet, a novelist, an educator, a civil rights activist, and an acclaimed actress. Below are some interesting facts about this amazing woman.
Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1928. She changed her name to Maya when she was seven years old and was a voracious reader from a young age. She often had to apply her talents to make a living, and she worked as a cook, a singer in a nightclub, and a missionary.
Maya Angelou was an extremely dedicated admirer of the written word. Not only was she an accomplished author, but she was also an award-winning playwright, a director, a poet, and a lyricist. She wrote over 30 books, including her famous autobiography ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, which was considered a classic in literature.
Another interesting fact about Maya Angelou is that she toured Africa during the 1960s. After spending time in Ghana, she chose to make her home in the city of Accra. This allowed her to become part of the African-American artistic and intellectual community in what was then known as the African continent.
Maya Angelou was also very involved in the civil rights movement. She was a personal friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and she was a key figure in the 1960s civil rights protest marches. She also served on the National Advisory Committee of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
Aside from being an author and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou was also a singer and actress. She released an album in 1958, and had roles in the mini-series ‘Roots’ and ‘A Dancer’s Life’.
Finally, Maya Angelou was a firm believer in the power of education. She was a lifelong supporter of literacy, and she served on the board of the National Education Association and the Board of Directors of the Harlem School of the Arts.
Legacy
Maya Angelou left an incredible legacy behind her. She was considered one of the most inspiring and influential authors of the twentieth century, and her poems and books continue to inspire millions of people across the world. Her books touched on important issues such as racism, identity, and perseverance. Her work is still taught in classrooms, and her legacy of advocating for social justice will live forever.
Impact
The impact of Maya Angelou’s work has been immense. Her books, poetry and essays have helped to educate and inspire generations of people. She was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and social justice, and her work served to empower women, people of color, and other marginalized groups. In addition, she was an inspirational teacher, offering hope and guidance to her students.
Achievements
Throughout her life, Maya Angelou achieved many feats. She was the first African-American woman to have her autobiography featured on the New York Times best-seller list, and she won several prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Arts, and the Lincoln Medal.
Educational Offering
Maya Angelou also made significant contributions to education. She was a professor at Wake Forest University since 1982 and established the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, which is devoted to reducing health disparities among minority communities. In addition, she established the Maya Angelou Schools, which offer a college-preparatory education in communities of color.
Literary Work
Maya Angelou was renowned for her outstanding literary work. She wrote over 30 books, including several acclaimed autobiographies, numerous volumes of poetry, and a host of essays, plays, and short stories. Her most famous work is her three-volume autobiography, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, which was considered a classic in American literature.
Philanthropic Work
Maya Angelou also made significant contributions to philanthropy. She was an active member of many charitable organizations, including the NAACP, the National Institute of Arts and Letters, and the International Rescue Committee. She was also a vocal advocate for women’s rights and served on the board of the National Organization for Women.
