Maya Angelou had an accomplished life that spanned many facets, from literature to activism. She is widely known as one of the most influential forces in African American literature and has had a lasting impact on generations worldwide. Here are some of her greatest accomplishments to date.
Literary Accomplishments
Maya Angelou was author to several books, poetry, essays and even plays. She was most renowned for her autobiographical writing which communicated her powerful voice and message of resilience through several incredible works. Among such works, her most celebrated are I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Gather Together in My Name, Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas. This is just a small fraction of the many works she accomplished during her time as a writer.
Angelou was awarded various awards for her writing, including the National Medal of Arts in 2000 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010. She was also inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993 and provided 10 memorable commencement speeches across the United States.
Accomplishments in Activism
Angelou was an active advocate for African America throughout her life. She was a collaborator of both Malcolm X’s and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s movements and was a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. During her time, she also advocated for Black nationalism, civil rights, and pacifism, among many other topics. Her writing had also heavily connected and advocated for the recognition of African American voices.
Angelou’s dedication to the civil rights movements had resulted in her joining many rallies and protests for the movement. She also had a role in the play Look Away, which tackled racism and was the first ever play to feature a black director, playwright, and cast. Maya Angelou had also been an active figure in the Civil Rights movement, advocating for equal rights and speaking out against oppression.
Achievements in Music and Film
Angelou had also been heavily involved in the music industry, appearing on variety of TV shows and writing numerous songs. One of her accolades is her song “Cabaret” which won a Grammy Award in the Best Musical Album for Children category. Additionally, she was seen in several films including the film Georgia, Georgia, where she played the role of PoPo, and the film adaptation of her book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Accomplishments in Education
In addition to being an author, actress, musician, and civil rights activist, Angelou was a professor as well. She spent over 30 years in various academic roles, teaching at Wake Forest University, California University and The University of Ghana. Additionally, she held the Reynolds Professorship at Winston-Salem State University, which she held until her death in 2014.
During her time in academia, Angelou was highly regarded. She was nominated for the Harvard Arts Medal, and Stanford University awarded her an honorary degree. She also was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Harvard Foundation, of which she was the first black woman to receive.
Accomplishments in Humanitarian Efforts
Angelou was also an active humanitarian throughout her lifetime. She held many positions in various organizations, such as the National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP, and various others. Additionally, she was also involved in the Women’s March on Washington in 2017 and participated in many protests throughout the US.
Maya Angelou’s efforts were also seen in her philanthropic activities. She was a supporter of Feed the Children, which aimed to provide meals to impoverished children. Additionally, she was an ambassador for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and worked with many non-profit organizations.
Accomplishments Throughout the World
Angelou’s fame had also reached overseas, making her an international celebrity. She had been nominated for one of France’s highest honors, the Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres, in 2012. Additionally, Angelou had been honored with the Prize for Excellence from the University of Ghana in 2012. Her influence had also extended to international school curriculums, which have included her literature for over a decade.
Maya Angelou’s accomplishments are vast and far reaching which have shaped modern day literature, activism, and countless individuals across the globe. Her prolific works and incredible feats of strength have left behind a lasting legacy that will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
Accomplishments on the Performing Arts Scene
Maya Angelou was also well-known and admired on the performing arts scene. She often appeared in cameos on the small and big screen, and was a dancer in the R&B and Jazz group “Calypso Savages” during the 1950s. Her dance moves earned her a lot of future gigs as a dancer, such as with Alvin Ailey, where she toured Europe and Africa.
Additionally, she was a featured artist in the 1977 play Look Away, which tackled racism, and was the first play to feature a black director, playwright, and full cast. Angelou was also an active voice for expression in the cultural arts industry and provided her support to a variety of work, such as the critically acclaimed film The Color Purple.
Accomplishments in Human Rights
Angelou was a strong advocate for human rights and was a firm believer in social justice. During her time, she joined the Civil Rights movement and was a collaborator of both Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, actively working with both of their movements. She also marched and protested in their support, and often spoke out against oppression publicly.
Angelou was devoted to the cause and had even consulted for John F. Kennedy’s administration and wrote four plays that sought to help humanity. In her later years, Angelou shared her knowledge and wisdom at various speaking engagements, such as at the 1998 United Nations International Year of the Child Event.
Accomplishments in Humanitarianism
Angelou was heavily involved in a range of humanitarian initiatives, including Feed the Children, which was an international non-profit aiming to help end childhood hunger. She was also an ambassador for the U.S Fund for UNICEF and a heavily involved member in the non-profit organization and activist group Mothers In Charge.
In addition, Angelou was also active in many social causes, such as traditional and female’s rights. She also was an active voice in environmental issues and different initiatives that sought to help support women globally. She often gave speeches and lectures in support of many causes during her later years.
Accomplishments in Broadcasting
Angelou was also seen in the broadcasting industry, where she had various roles, such as being a director, a composer and a producer. She had directed television movies such as Down in the Delta and was a regular on the WGBH series The Latin Music Explosion. Additionally, she hosted several television shows, such as the 1988 series Literature for Our Times, produced by PBL Productions. Lastly, she was a guest speaker on the Oprah Winfrey Show on 12 separate occasions.
