Maya Angelou was a groundbreaking poet and civil rights activist who made major contributions to the history of American literature, activism and civil rights. Born in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou lived with her grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas. She grew up surrounded by singers, musicians, storytellers and dance performers, exposed to the vibrant African American culture of the South. Angelou made her mark on the literary world with her first published autobiographical work, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which detailed her life through her adolescence and made her the first African-American woman to write a best-selling autobiography.
In addition to her literary success, Angelou was an ardent civil rights activist and advocate for the empowerment of African-American women. During the Civil Rights Movement, she was an active participant in protests and campaigns, serving as northern coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She also served as a coordinator and leader in the anti-poverty program, the Waveland Conference, in which she provided guidance and assistance to poor African-American communities.
Angelou was also an acclaimed seamstress, actor, director, and singer. In 1968, Angelou acted in her first feature film, Georgia, Georgia, and she released her first album, Miss Calypso in 1957, becoming one of the first female vocalists to record in the calypso music genre. She also became the first African-American female to direct a major Hollywood film, the feature version of her 1971 book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Throughout her life, Angelou received numerous honors and awards, including three Grammy awards, over 30 honorary degrees, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Presidential Medal of Arts. She was a prolific lecturer and writer, delivering more than 50 lectures annually at colleges, universities and other learning institutions. She wrote more than 25 books, including several popular memoirs, such as A Song Flung up to Heaven and Mom & Me & Mom. Angelou was a tireless advocate for justice, and her work and legacy continue to inspire those working for social, racial and gender justice.
In 2011, Angelou passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a civil rights activist, feminist, author and poet. Her works continue to be some of the most influential pieces of literature in existence, inspiring generations of readers and writers alike. Through her written works and activism, Maya Angelou has left an indelible mark on the history of America and a timeless impact on the civil rights and literary communities.
Speaking
In addition to her work as an author, writer and director, Angelou was a celebrated speaker and orator, delivering readings, lectures and keynote speeches at a variety of events. She was also a voice-over artist and actress, lending her powerful voice and presence to several television programs, animation films, documentaries and audiobooks. She was the recipient of several humanitarian awards, such as the National Civil Rights Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal.
Angelou’s commitment to justice, courage and excellence inspired countless people throughout her career. She used her platform to promote the strength, beauty and power of the African-American woman and to fight for equal rights and opportunities. Her eloquent speaking engagements encouraged others to speak confidently and be proud of their history and culture.
In her capacity as a speaker, Angelou delivered lectures and keynote speeches to an audience of young adults, children, college students and adults. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, she travelled to colleges and universities across the United States, delivering powerful messages of resilience and hope. Her speeches often highlighted her passion for the civil rights movement, along with her experiences of racism and oppression.
Angelou’s public speeches and readings were often met with standing ovations and standing-room-only crowds. Her affection for and understanding of the African-American people was palpable, and her personal and powerful messages resonated with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Poetry
In addition to her autobiographical works, Angelou was also a renowned poet. Her works often tackled difficult topics such as racism, sexism, and identity, and celebrated the strength and greatness of the African American people and culture. Her poems were often inspired by the remarkable events of her life and the experiences she encountered as a civil rights leader.
Angelou wrote and released several books of poetry during her lifetime, and was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize for her book of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Diiie. Her poems often incorporated vivid imagery, metaphors and alliteration, making them both beautiful and powerful. Her most famous works include Phenomenal Woman, Still I Rise, On the Pulse of Morning and Amazing Peace.
Angelou’s poems celebrated the power and richness of the African-American culture and experiences. Her works often challenged traditional gender roles and social norms and were deeply rooted in the American South, reflecting her own personal experiences and struggles. In her famous poem, Still I Rise, Angelou sermonized and encouraged racial and gender pride: “You may write me down in history/ With your bitter, twisted lies,/ You may trod me in the very dirt/ But still, like dust, I’ll rise”.
Throughout her life, Angelou remained a consistent force in American poetry and literature. Her works are still widely taught in classrooms today and her influence continues to endure.
Writing
As a writer, Angelou has become a literary icon often credited with revolutionizing the landscape of African-American literature. Her writings, which often incorporated the oral traditions of African-American culture, focused on the struggles, beauty, and complexity of being black in America. Through her groundbreaking autobiographical works, Angelou exposed her readers to her experiences and observations, offering them a unique and intimate glimpse into the African-American experience.
Angelou began her writing career in the 1960s with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the first in a seven-volume autobiographical series. The book focused on her coming of age in the segregated South and highlighted the resilience and strength of African-American women during this time period. The novel earned her numerous accolades and was later adapted into a feature film in 1979.
Angelou continued to write throughout her life, penning books ranging from children’s books and poetry to essay collections, including Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now. She also wrote several plays and screenplays and was featured in numerous television specials and documentaries. In 2009, she released her final book of essays, I Shall Not Be Moved, which focused on the civil rights movement and the importance of civil disobedience.
Angelou’s work continues to have a profound impact on generations of readers and writers. Her writings are powerful reminders of the dark history of the African-American experience and serve as an inspiration for those who continue to fight for social justice.
Activism
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Angelou was an ardent civil rights activist and advocate for the empowerment of African-American women. During the Civil Rights Movement, she actively participated in protests and campaigns, aiding the boycott against segregated buses and lending her prominent voice to various initiatives. She was a coordinator and leader of the anti-poverty program, the Waveland Conference, providing guidance and assistance to communities in need.
Angelou was also an avid feminist, dedicated to breaking down the patriarchal structures that held women back. She rallied for the rights of women of color through her speaking engagements, which often focused on female empowerment, human rights and racial justice. Her book of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Diiie, was praised for its unapologetic celebration of black femininity, and her vocality in the face of injustice inspired millions.
Angelou was a recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Presidential Medal of Arts, and a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album. Throughout her lifetime, she was praised for her passionate advocacy for civil rights and for her courage in the face of adversity.
Legacy
Angelou passed away at the age of 86 in 2011, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a civil rights activist, feminist and poet. Her literary works and activism continue to be a source of inspiration and empowerment for generations of readers and activists. Her autobiographical works, poems, essays and speeches took readers on a journey through her own personal experiences and highlighted the beauty, power and complexity of being a black woman in America.
In her lifetime, Angelou was awarded numerous honors, including over 30 honorary degrees, the National Medal of Arts, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her work is widely read in universities and colleges and her influence continues to be felt today. Through her written works and activism, Maya Angelou has left an indelible mark on the history of America and a timeless impact on the civil rights and literary communities.
