Maya Angelou is many things; poet, author, dramatist, producer, actress, composer, singer, civil rights activist and songwriter. Today, however, she is largely focused on the first category: poetry. Over the decades she has written an impressive number of poems and still continues to write new ones that she shares on her website. In 2020, she penned the poem ‘Still I Rise’ in honor of the Black Lives Matter movement and has since become an iconic mantra of racial justice.
Currently, Angelou is gearing up to curate what she calls her ‘Legacy Series’; eight volumes of poetry that span her entire career. Each volume is a glimpse into the range of her work, which covers themes such as women’s rights, racism, self-love, aging, loss, and of course the power of poetry. Her Legacy Series is set to come out later this year, and will be available for purchase on Amazon, as well as on her website.
Additionally, Angelou has a blog on her website in which she posts occasional updates about her current projects. This blog is frequently updated with her musings and offers insight into her life and what she is currently working on. She also hosts a podcast in which she interviews a variety of people from different fields and discusses a range of topics. On her podcast, she recently spoke with one of her former students, novelist Adelle Waldman, to discuss the process behind writing a novel.
Finally, Maya Angelou is also very active on social media. She is creating and sharing posts regularly on her Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages. She primarily focusses on sharing inspiring quotes and beautiful imagery, but she also shares news and updates about civil rights movements. Her presence on social media continues to show her commitment to activism and her love of poetry.
Advice from Maya Angelou
Angelou has built an impressive career in the literary and entertainment industry and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer. In light of this, she spends a great deal of time giving advice to aspiring writers, artists and activists. One piece of advice Angelou gives regularly is to never give up on one’s dreams. She often stresses the importance of resilience and perseverance, reminding people that she has achieved her success through a never-ending dedication to her art.
Another piece of advice Angelou is often heard giving is to embrace one’s individuality. She encourages people to create without the constraints of outside influence and to trust in themselves. She tells her students that their greatness lies within them, and this encourages them to believe in themselves and their dreams.
A third piece of advice Angelou commonly provides to new writers is to read a lot. She explains that reading extensively is a great way to understand the craft of writing and encourages people to read authors both in and outside of their genre. This helps them learn how to structure sentences, build characters and structure a plot, as well as to identify the elements of good writing.
Finally, Angelou’s other important advice is to not take oneself too seriously. When giving advice to aspiring writers, she often reminds them that writing should be a fun, creative endeavor, and not a burden. She encourages them to go with their ideas and follow their passions, regardless of what other people think.
Angelou’s Organizational Involvement
In addition to publishing her books and offering advice, Maya Angelou is often found leading various organizations and institutions. After a long and successful career, she dedicated her life to giving back to her community and to the world at large. As a result, she is often found attending conferences, speaking on panels, and doing work with various non-profit organizations.
Angelou held a post as the Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University, where she served as a patron and mentor to many students. In this position, she was able to offer firsthand advice and support to students and faculty alike. She also served as a leader in several philanthropic and literary organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Book Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Angelou also devoted much of her time to the Harlem Renaissance Project, which aimed to conserve, preserve and promote the legacy of this landmark movement. As an influential figure in the African American community, Angelou was an invaluable asset to this project, as she was able to offer direct insight into the time period. Furthermore, Angelou was an active supporter of the civil rights movement, participating in and speaking openly about peaceful protests.
Finally, Angelou was a major force behind Sister Friends Forever, a mentoring project that helps empower girls to pursue their passions and discover their passions. Through this organization, Angelou provided mentorship and advice to countless young women, helping them learn the value of self-awareness, self-respect and self-empowerment.
Angelou’s Literature
Maya Angelou has published a great number of books over her lifetime. Her works span multiple genres, from poetry to non-fiction, and range from autobiography, to fiction, and even to sci-fi. She is most renowned for her iconic autobiographical work, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, which earned her numerous awards and invitations to speak around the world.
In her writing, Angelou explores themes such as racism, injustice, and resilience, while also paying close attention to the power of language. She often incorporates elements of African American culture into her stories, which serves to celebrate the beauty and richness of this culture. Additionally, her stories are often imbued with a deep spirituality which serves as a source of inspiration to readers.
Her other works include Gather Together in My Name, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Die, and All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes. She has also written several collections of poetry, including And Still I Rise and Shaker, Why Don’t You Sing? In addition to this, she has composed several musical pieces, penned numerous essays on a range of topics, and has even delved into the world of screenplay writing.
Influence on the Literary World
The impact of Maya Angelou on the literary world is immense. Her works have earned her several awards, including the National Medal of Arts, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Robert Frost Medal. Her works have also been adapted for stage and screen, and have been translated into several different languages.
Angelou’s influence has also been seen in the proliferation of black female writers, artists and activists. Countless writers have been inspired by her to embark on their own literary journeys, and her work continues to inspire future generations. Through her writing, Angelou has passed down her knowledge and wisdom, which will no doubt extend far beyond her lifetime.
Additionally, Angelou has been celebrated for her influence in the civil rights movement, which was largely reflected in her writing. By inspiring activists through her stories and offering her expertise to organizations, Angelou was able to mobilize countless individuals to take action and push for change. She was an ardent supporter of peace and justice, and when speaking about injustices in the world, she often asked people to simply love more.
Angelou’s Legacy
The legacy of Maya Angelou is one that has and will continue to live on for generations to come. Through her words, she has been able to bridge divides and bring people together. Angelou has empowered and inspired countless people with her stories, poems, and advice. She is a trailblazer and a symbol of hope, having achieved great success in both the literary and entertainment industry.
Her influence as a mentor and her willingness to give back to her community remains unparalleled. As a result, she has been celebrated through a variety of organizations, scholarships, and awards that recognize her immense contributions to society. Angelou continues to leave a lasting impression on the world, inspiring all those who come across her works and words.
Finally, Angelou is remembered fondly by her former students and those who were inspired by her life and work. She was a tireless advocate of literacy and education, a passionate mentor and a trailblazer for writers, activists and artists. Looking back on her life, it is clear that she has left a legacy that will never be forgotten.
