Maya Angelou was a renowned American poet, author and civil rights activist, who made substantial contribution to literature, entertainment and activism across the globe. Her work is revered and continues to inspire many. During her lifetime, Angelou wrote numerous published works, was actively involved in politics, and used her talents to express her opinions.
Angelou’s work was well appreciated during the course of her life. She wrote five best-sellers, the first of them being her autobiography ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, which addressed racial and sexual discrimination and inspired millions across the globe. Her writing style was lyrical, giving her voice to the varied injustices faced by people of colour in America during her lifetime.
Angelou was a prolific poet, whose work has been honoured with numerous awards. She received three Grammys for best spoken-word album and is the second poet, after Robert Frost, to recite their poetry at the Presidential inauguration ceremony; which was at the request of President Bill Clinton in 1993.
In the 1970s, Angelou briefly became a member of the political band known as the HIGHPriests and graduated from the University of Ghana. Angelou also used her influence to speak out against racism, and was an active member of the civil rights movement. Her involvement led her to become close friends with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, both of whom she admired and shared platforms with.
Angelou was also a pioneer in the entertainment industry, being a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement and becoming the first African American woman to have her screenplay produced. She was a keen theatre actor and toured with the US production of ‘Look Away’. Her debut feature film was ‘Georgia, Georgia’, in 1972, where she starred with Diana Sands.
Apart from the books, poetry, plays and films that Angelou published over the course of her career, she also shared her invaluable wisdom and her experiences through her lectures and teaching. Angelou was an educator, who taught American studies and creative writing at numerous American universities. She also served as a Jones Lecturer at the prestigious Stanford University. Angelou’s ability to make people understand the importance of justice and combating racism, captured the imagination of millions around the world.
Global Impact
Maya Angelou’s work and fight for civil rights had a global impact. Angelou went abroad and shared her experiences with people from different countries and cultures. Angelou was a headline speaker in front of prominent people, advocating against oppression and widespread discriminatory practices, while inspiring more people to take up the mantle of equal rights. She visited Egypt and was an honoured guest of President Anwar Sadat in 1981, where she appealed to him on behalf of jailed Palestinian prisoners. She reiterated her anti-oppression stance in her visits to Japan, Great Britain and Africa.
Angelou was a sought-after lecturer, delivering some of her most famous speeches to college students in the US and around the world. In an official capacity, Angelou represented the US when she visited South Africa to celebrate their first democratic elections. She went to Mexico as part of a United Nations delegation discussing social needs, and she visited Europe to speak at numerous events. Her writings were known world-wide, courtesy of the BBC, who broadcast her works during her lifetime.
She also made appearances in various programmes and films, and wrote for television and radio across the US and Europe. Her impact on literature, and entertainment, made her a global celebrity, who could connect with people from all walks of life. Her poems, articles and essays continued to inspire diverse individuals, garnering her countless awards and titles.
Writing Style
Maya Angelou’s writing style incorporated her varied life experiences, which made her work powerful and inspiring. Her works varied from autobiography and poetry to essay writing, giving her the opportunity to explore topics such as racism, identity, and the power of language. Angelou wrote with a directness and an openness that allowed her readers to connect with her on an emotional level, enabling them to relate to the stories she told.
The impact of Angelou’s work can be seen in the wide usage of her works in popular culture. Angelou wrote ‘Phenomenal Woman’, her most widely known poem, which has been used in many films, TV shows and books. The poem focuses on female empowerment and self-love, and has positively impacted many people. She was regarded by many as America’s greatest poet since Walt Whitman, and her works have been read by millions around the world.
Angelou’s writing style was also filled with humour and optimism, which made her work accessible and loveable to many. During her lifetime, she released numerous collections of poetry, as well as plays, children’s books, essays, and prayers. These provided her platform to voice her opinions and speak up for justice.
Activism
Maya Angelou was a highly active figure in the fight for civil rights, and worked closely with the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Angelou was also a vocal critic of politicians, especially those who did not act in the interests of the people she cared about. She attended several demonstrations against inequality, to draw attention to the struggles of minority groups across America.
Her activism continued into the 1990s, where she became very vocal in the campaigns against apartheid in South Africa. Angelou was a harsh critic of violence, and was committed to peaceful protests and dialogues. In the later years of her life, Angelou was an active participant of the anti-war movement, and demonstrated in front of the White House in order to make her grievances known.
Angelou was also a major critic of the gender gap and women’s rights, and advocated for the importance of female empowerment in society. She wrote ‘Phenomenal Woman’ in 1995, which became very popular in the feminist movement, and was shared widely among women; reminding them to be proud of their identities.
Angelou was involved in numerous charitable organisations, including the National Civil Rights Museum, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Centre, and the Center for Early Education in California. Her enduring approach to education and activism enabled her to be a hugely influential figure in her lifetime.
Legacy
Maya Angelou was an incredibly influential poet, author and civil rights activist, who left behind a valuable body of work that impacted many individuals throughout her lifetime and continues to do so after her death. Angelou’s works have been included in school curriculums across the US, and she is among the few poets in the world to have their work installed as a plaza installation. Her poem ‘Still I Rise’ continues to inspire many people to be brave and unapologetic about their experiences.
Angelou has been awarded numerous honorary titles and degrees, and has been acknowledged with several awards, which reflect her immense contribution to the world of literature, activism and education. Angelou was honoured by the NAACP with a special dedication to her life and work during their 11th Image Awards, which further highlights her contribution to African American culture.
Angelou was, and is still, respected by people across all demographics, who draw upon her creativity and activism as inspiration. Her death in 2014 was met with sorrow, as many looked upon her with admiration and reverence. To this day, people celebrate Angelou’s life, remembering her commitment to justice, education and humanity, while continuing the legacy she left behind.
