Maya Angelou was a passionate individual who achieved great things for both her personal life and for the world. Throughout her life, she left a lasting imprint on the people she encountered and the values she strived to promote. Growing up in the Jim Crow South, she became one of the most influential female civil rights activists and authors of the 20th century. Best known for her book I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou became an acclaimed poet, lecturer, actress, professor, and singer. She wrote over 30 books and was awarded numerous honorary degrees from respected universities, including Duke and Arkansas. In 1993, she recited her poem “Phenomenal Woman” at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration—becoming the first black woman to do so. Maya Angelou’s impact on society was far reaching and her example taught the world important values, such as self acceptance, speaking the truth and respecting differences.
Promoting Race Relations
As a civil rights activist, Maya Angelou dedicated considerable time and energy to promoting race relations. Many of her books, including I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, explore the struggles of African Americans and their efforts to combat racial discrimination and prejudice. In her works, she documented the Black experience from the Jim Crow South to the present day. During her many speeches and lectures, she ‘called out’ those that opposed equal rights for African Americans. She also encouraged those that were still battling for civil rights to continue their fight.
Angelou wrote powerful poems which illustrated the racism African Americans faced and the beauty of their culture as well. Her poem “Still I Rise” was a call to action, urging African Americans to push forward and never give up. Her words were both a sign of hope and an inspiring reminder that a better society was possible. Angelou’s impact was not limited to African Americans—she helped promote mutual understanding between all races, offering an example of grace in the face of hatred and injustice.
Activism and Intellectualism
A powerful advocate of social justice, Maya Angelou fearlessly spoke her mind—even when her views were controversial. When asked to give an opinion, she provided her honest thoughts, which often challenged traditional views. She never compromised her values, even when it meant facing criticism or ridicule. Angelou openly and positively discussed topics such as rape, oppression, identity, and racism.
As an intellectual, Maya Angelou was highly accomplished—her books often rose to the top of best-seller lists and she received numerous awards. Angelou was regarded as a leader in the literary world and taught the importance of education in achieving success. She encouraged others to use knowledge to ‘level the playing field’ and make a difference.
Advocate for Women
An important part of Angelou’s legacy was her advocacy for women’s rights. She firmly believed that women should be treated equitably and fought tirelessly for equal rights for women. She also encouraged women to face their fears and live life to the fullest. In her poem “Phenomenal Woman”, Angelou describes a woman who is confident, alluring, and unafraid to be herself. This poem touched many women, giving them the courage to stand tall, despite the pressures of society.
Through her writings and speeches, Angelou provided women around the world with an example of how to succeed in a system that was often times unfair to women. She taught women to respect themselves and never allow a man or society to dictate who they should be. Maya Angelou believed that men and women alike should be free to be their own person, no matter what circumstances they faced.
Inspiring Change
Maya Angelou used her many talents to contribute to racial and social justice. As a powerful mentor and role model, she pushed people to think differently and challenge injustices. Angelou worked closely with organizations such as the Southern Christian Leadership Council, Martin Luther King Jr.’s foundation, and Malcolm X’s Organization of Afro-American Unity. In addition, she was an active participant in the anti-apartheid movement of the 1980s.
In her speeches and writings, Maya Angelou used her distinctive voice to campaign for positive change. She was an advocate for the oppressed and used her abilities to help people find strength and courage. Through her example, Maya Angelou showed her audience that it was possible to create hope and equality—no matter the odds.
Advocate for Acceptance
Maya Angelou brought much needed attention to the struggles of African Americans, as well as other racial and ethnic minorities. Through her works, she was able to address issues of class and gender bias which had been long ignored by society. She taught the world to accept differences and embrace diversity—even in the face of adversity. Angelou championed the dignity and respect of all individuals, regardless of their gender, race or sexuality.
A powerful example of courage and resilience, Maya Angelou showed the world that everyone should be free to be themselves. Despite the challenges she faced in her own life, she was able to inspire and encourage people to live their truth. Angelou spent her life pushing for acceptance, equality and understanding—believing that is how we can create a more just and peaceful society.
Fighting for Education
Maya Angelou was an outspoken advocate for education, believing that knowledge was the key to success. She always promoted the importance of learning, saying that “what maters most is what lies inside of you—your mind.” As a professor at Wake Forest from 1982 to 2011, she taught her students to speak their mind, read books, and think critically. Many of her students credit her with inspiring them to think and learn in new ways. In her speeches and lectures, Angelou used her own life as an illustration of how people can overcome hurdles with determination and a good education.
Maya Angelou was a passionate believer in the power of education and the importance of learning. She encouraged everyone, regardless of their circumstance, to pursue knowledge and develop their talents. Angelou often stated that “a person without education is like a bird without wings—they cannot soar.”
Influence on Black Women
As both a speaker and author, Maya Angelou’s impact on African American women was immense. Her words “believe in your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem” resonated with women from all backgrounds. For the past several decades, her works have helped African American women embrace their authentic selves and discover their strength and courage. In addition, many of Angelou’s books helped African American women fight against racism and misogyny.
Angelou’s personal journey helped her connect with her audience and provide a voice for African American women. Her works often serve as a reminder of what is possible and have inspired many African American women to pursue their dreams and make a difference. Many of Angelou’s poems and stories are read by black women to inspire and empower them.
Literal Legacy
Maya Angelou’s written works helped shape the history of literature and influenced countless writers, poets, activists, and intellectuals. Her vivid descriptions and subtle truths about race and identity were often ahead of her time. Angelou was always willing to go beyond comfortable topics and covered a wide range of topics, such as education, emotions, love, race, and human rights.
Angelou’s influence is evident throughout popular culture and her words have served as an inspiration for many. She has often been referred to as ‘the poet laureate of Black America’ and her works are studied extensively in colleges and universities. In addition, her works have been produced into several plays, most notably a musical based on her book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
