Maya Angelou was an influential and inspiring figure to many, known for her humanitarian efforts to help the world in many different ways. From her activism to her expansive range of creative works, she continues to impact the lives of millions around the world. Throughout her life, she devoted her considerable energy to various causes and causes of justice.
One of Maya Angelou’s first acts of civil disobedience was joining the newly formed civil rights organization, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), in 1960. As part of her involvement in SCLC, she organized a group of students to participate in a protest march in Birmingham, Alabama. This march eventually led to greater integration and recognition of African Americans in the South.
Additionally, Angelou actively used her writing to spread her message of equality and peace, often calling upon people to “love more, hate less”. One of her most pioneering works, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, was a powerful autobiography and social commentary on racism in America and was hugely influential in changing public opinion on civil rights issues.
Angelou was also a very active supporter of women’s rights. She was a prominent figure in the women’s liberation movement during the 1960s and 70s and wrote extensively on the subject. In her lifelong dedication to the cause, she addressed the gender-based discrimination and violence women faced, in addition to advocating for equal rights and opportunity.
Beyond her literary works, Angelou dedicated her life to supporting numerous charities and organizations, such as the NAACP and the Urban League. She became an advocate for disadvantaged groups in the U.S. and abroad, giving lectures and interviews to inspire others to help in the fight for humanity.
In her role advocating for civil rights, Angelou became a close friend and confidante of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and bonded with him over similar civil rights ideas. To keep his legacy alive, in 1996 she founded the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center for Non Violent Social Change, an organization that aimed to promote peaceful and nonviolent protest.
In 2009, Angelou received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for her lifetime of service to the nation. In her thank you speech, she spoke of her hopes for a more socially just and equal future. Her message of equality, justice and courage still resonates with people all over the world today.
Reviews of Maya Angelou’s Books
Maya Angelou was a renowned author who wrote an array of powerful books sharing her unique and courageous perspectives on life. An important part of the world that she helped to shape was the literary world, which she did through her powerful works. Angelou’s books address a range of topics such as racism, identity, and injustice, and continue to inspire and empower readers around the world.
One of her most well-known books, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, is an autobiography which explores the story of her own life. This powerful book has been described as “profoundly moving and uplifting”, with reviewers particular praising its sensitive handling of her upbringing and the racism she experienced. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” has become an iconic inspirational classic and its impact can still be felt to this day.
Another powerful book written by Angelou is “A Song Flung Up to Heaven”. This book continues her story which began in “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, and moves on to explore her adult life. This book has been praised for its “honest and thought-provoking” insight into Angelou’s life, but also the present-day challenges of race and discrimination.
Angelou’s final published work was “Mom & Me & Mom”, a personal account of her relationship with her mother. Many find this book to be her best work yet as it “captures the complexity and strength of the mother-daughter bond” with an honesty which is often painful but necessary. This book has been hugely popular, with readers praising its emotive themes and affirming message.
Overall, Maya Angelou’s writings have had a profound impact on humanity and continue to inspire and enlighten people around the world. Her honest, courageous books have been praised for their sensitivity and insight, making her legacy one which will always be remembered.
Maya Angelou’s Major Awards
Throughout her lifetime, Maya Angelou was a powerful and respected figure who was awarded numerous accolades and honors in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments. From prestigious literary awards to political acknowledgement of her activism, Angelou was a recipient of many prestigious honors.
One of the earliest awards to Angelou was a Pulitzer Prize nomination for her autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, which was later adapted into a feature film in 1979. This nomination was an important milestone in recognition of her work and a powerful affirmation of the importance of her literary work. Her work has been featured in many compilation anthologies and she has also won a Grammy for her spoken word albums.
In addition to her award-winning literary accomplishments, Angelou was honoured with a number of awards which celebrated her activism and political service. In 1993, she became the first African-American women to have her poem recited at a Presidential Inauguration, after which she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Arts in 2000. She also received international recognition for her work, such as the prestigious Jean-Jacques Rousseau Award for her contributions to international culture.
In 2011, several notable awards were also announced in Angelou’s honor. The National Book Foundation awarded her the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community, and the Library of Congress appointed her as the first recipient of the National Medal of Arts. Angelou was also awarded the Presidential Freedom Medal in 2011, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Overall, Maya Angelou was a multifaceted powerhouse whose legacy continues to live on in many different ways. Her international recognition for her creativity, activism and service is a testament to her inspiring life and will continue to live on for generations to come.
What Maya Angelou’s Books Teach Us
Maya Angelou was a prolific author who wrote a wide range of books that were filled with brave and uncompromising insights on life. Throughout her writing, Angelou tackles tough and important topics, while maintaining an inspirational message of hope and courage.
Through her books, Angelou talks about the challenging experiences she faced in life, reflecting on both joys and struggles with candor and conviction. She touches on a range of social issues and topics of identity, such as racism, gender equality, faith and morality. Her powerful works are filled with encouragement, to courageously tackle the injustice and adversity that exists in the world.
Angelou reminds us to have compassion and understanding for the difficulties that people face in their lives, empowering us to be more accepting of diversity. Furthermore, she teaches us to use our own personal experiences, both good and bad, to create powerful stories. A strong recurring theme in her works is the importance of self-love and being kinder to oneself, something that she personally struggled with. By telling her own stories of pain and resilience, she inspires us to overcome our own obstacles.
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is particularly powerful in its account of Angelou’s experience of racism and growing up in the Jim Crow south. It is an example of how we can transform adversity into strength and resilience, and serves as a reminder that oppression is going on all over the world. This book also encourages us to look to history in a more positive light and to appreciate the courage of those who suffer oppression.
Angelou was passionate about social justice and her books serve to remind us of the power of individuals to bring about meaningful change. She often used her voice and her stories to stand against social injustice, inspiring others to do the same. Her books embody the understanding that even the smallest of actions can bring about important changes in the world, when people have the courage to voice their convictions.
The Legacy of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was a remarkable woman and her life and work will be forever remembered for the power and courage which she inspired across the world. After her death in 2014, Angelou’s work continues to spread her powerful message of social justice and her eternal wisdom has been a source of great strength to countless people.
Her irreplaceable genius and courage were reflected in the many obituaries, memorials and tributes which were shared around the world, with many highlighting her place in shaping our modern understanding of social justice and civil rights. United States President Barack Obama said of her, “she inspired my own mother and so many others, to work, to walk straight, and most of all, to love”.
Additionally, her body of work continues to be studied in classrooms around the world and will be remembered for generations to come. In 2018, the US Postage Stamp was issued in her honor, a fitting tribute to the great legacy which she leaves behind.
Finally, the most lasting legacy of Angelou is her powerful message of empowerment, courage and understanding. She had an unwavering faith in the power of individuals to make a difference and often encouraged us to use our voice to make a stand for justice and equality. Her courageous and inspiring books continue to be a powerful source of inspiration for millions of people all around the world.
