Maya Angelou is a world-renowned American author, poet, and civil rights activist. Her unparalleled prowess in writing is undoubtable, with her works winning several awards and accolades. She is known for her iconic autobiographical works, and her remarkable ability to capture the spirit of both her own experience and the collective experiences of African Americans. But what else has Maya Angelou written?
Apart from autobiographies, Maya Angelou has written numerous pieces of literary work focused on black and women’s issues. She wrote poetry in which she articulated personal, social, and political themes. Her body of work contains many collections of poetry, novels, essays, and web-based works, among many other genres. Overall, fourteen books have been published by Maya Angelou.
Her first literary works were published in the early 1950s when she first worked as an editor for an African American newspaper. She released her first novel, titled “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, in which she tells the story of her own life, in 1969. Since then, she has written and collaborated on multiple works, including a cookbook, dramatizations, screenplays, and autobiographical works, such as “Gather Together in My Name”, “The Heart of a Woman”, and “Mom & Me & Mom”.
Apart from her written works, Maya Angelou also worked extensively in TV, film, theater, and radio broadcasting. She was a cast member of the television miniseries “Roots”, which was based on Alex Haley’s historical novel of the same name. She also wrote the screenplay for her 1972 autobiographical film, “Georgia, Georgia”, which won the prestigious Golden Globe Award. Maya Angelou also wrote and co-produced the show “Onings From the Heart”.
Maya Angelou has made a name for herself through her writings as well as her collaborations. She was a consultant and lecturer for the American Film Institute, and was the first female poet to host the “PBS NewsHour”, which she did in 1991. She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993. In 2007, she was mentioned in a speech by the then-president of the United States, George W. Bush, who honored her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
What Else Has Maya Angelou Written in Poetry?
Maya Angelou has written numerous works of poetry over the years. Her first book of poems, titled “Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie”, was published in 1971. Ever since, she has published several more collections that draw on social justice, love and life experiences. Some of her acclaimed works include “And Still I Rise”, “On the Pulse of Morning”, “Shaker Why Don’t You Sing?” and “Phenomenal Woman”.
Maya Angelou’s poems and poems inspired by her often focus on themes such as perseverance and hope, no matter the circumstances. In her poems, she also emphasizes the importance of courage and independence. Many of her works contain expansive characters that strive for an alternative version of the world free of oppression and injustice.
Angelou’s poems have been featured in performances, documentaries, and music videos. They have been studied in schools across the world and have even been referenced in television commercials and rap songs.
Additionally, Maya Angelou owned her own publishing company called “Random House”. The company released books written by Angelou, as well as books written by other authors whom Angelou respected.
In 2011, Maya Angelou wrote a book of poems titled “Mother”, which was inspired by her mother. This touching collection of poems notably touches on the theme of how family and friends can help shape an individual’s character.
What Else Has Maya Angelou Written in Prose?
In addition to the books designated as “poetry collections”, Maya Angelou has written numerous works of prose. Her debut novel “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings earned her international fame and unanimous critical acclaim. The semi-autobiographical novel recounts the life of a young girl from the South, guided through adversity by the love and example of her mother and grandmother.
In 2009, the Library of America published a collection of her essays, which was titled “I Shall Not be Moved”. The collection contains reflective essays on topics such as culture, race, and history. She also wrote a cookbook titled “Hallelujah! The Welcome Table”, as well as “Gather Together in My Name”, an autobiographical work which tackles her struggles with poverty and homelessness.
Angelou has also written extensively on the subject of America, with her works “A Brave and Startling Truth” and “Break the Heart of Me: An American Anthology”. A Brave and Startling Truth tackles the question of what it means to be an American, while Break the Heart of Me recounts stories about race, sex, and class divisions in America. Apart from these books, Maya Angelou wrote non-fiction works such as “Even The Stars Look Lonesome”, “All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes”, and “Letter to My Daughter”.
In her works, Maya Angelou discussed the importance of telling and respecting stories, regardless of their origin. She was dedicated to literacy as a tool of knowledge and enlightenment, and donated some of her earnings towards organizations dedicated to improving reading abilities.
What Else Has Maya Angelou Worked On?
Apart from her written works and dedication to literacy, Maya Angelou has worked on several other projects. She was a much sought-after speaker who delivered motivational and commencement speeches around the world. Angelou sang jazz and blues and composed lyrics for a few works of theater. She served as a visiting professor at several colleges and universities in the 1990s, as well as an adviser during the Bill Clinton’s administration.
Maya Angelou wrote and performed a song titled “A Brave and Startling Truth” for the 70th anniversary of the United Nations. Her poetry was also set to music in the album “United Nations: A Celebration”. In addition, her 2008 memoir “Mom & Me & Mom” was adapted into a theatrical production in 2011.
In 1998, the first of many autobiographical films based on Angelou’s works, “Down in the Delta”, was released. She served as executive producer for the musical documentary “Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas”, which was released in 1976. Additionally, she appeared in the film “Madea’s Family Reunion”, and has made several appearances on talk shows and television shows.
What Else Has Maya Angelou Contributed to the World?
Apart from her literary and cinematic works, Maya Angelou is known for her activism and social work. She has worked in the Civil Rights Movement, using her platform to speak out against racism, inequality and poverty. She has been actively involved in the movement since the early 1950s, and has worked with famous figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.
Maya Angelou has stood up for the rights of African Americans and advocated for the recognition and equal treatment of black women and those of other marginalized communities. She has penned powerful testimonials and promotional pieces, and spoken on the plight of these minority groups. Throughout her life, Angelou served on several boards, including the boards of prestigious universities and organizations such as the Harvard Institute of Politics and the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Furthermore, Angelou has also partnered with multiple campaigns, including anti-hunger campaigns. She also released web-based works focused on civil rights and universal peace and unity. Her efforts have won her several awards, including the Lincoln Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.
What Other Recognition Has Maya Angelou Received?
Maya Angelou has earned praise and accolades in many circles, having been appointed to and honored by some of the most esteemed institutions around the world. In 1976, Oxford named her an Honorary Fellow and in 1977, she was appointed as the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. She also received various awards and recognition from the National Council of Negro Women, the Gallup Organization, and the National Academy of Arts and Sciences.
In 2004, Angelou was invited to the White House by then-First Lady Laura Bush to recite her poem “On the Pulse of Morning”. She was invited to the White House again in 2011, this time by President Barack Obama, to read her poem “Maya Angelou and Still I Rise”. The United States Postal Service released a stamp in her honor in April 2015, and in 2017, she was appointed to the NAACP’s Board of Directors.
In addition, Angelou was awarded with the National Medal of Literature, the National Medal of Humanities, and the National Medal of Arts. She received an honorary doctorate from over 50 universities, including Harvard and Yale. In 2014, the Grammy Awards presented her with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
