Maya Angelou is renowned for her exceptional writing, activism and inspirational speeches. She is known for her memoirs, autobiographies and poetry, which are among the most widely read works in the world. Her best-known publication, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, is considered one of the most influential books of the twentieth century, and her poetic work is celebrated for its spiritual and inspirational message. Angelou was also heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement, where she served as a coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. She later became an esteemed lecturer, educator and professor.
Angelou’s life was full of inspiring moments, starting with her earliest years when she was named “Bam-Bam” by her beloved, if unconventional, grandfather. After struggling with a period of homelessness living in California, Angelou completed her high school education and became a published author at the age of 18. Afterwards, she worked closely with many notable activists and figures, joining the civil rights movement, becoming the head of Martin Luther King Jr.’s first New York office and joining the Harlem Writers Guild.
Angelou’s reputation as a world-class writer was cemented by her autobiographical works, with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings emerging as her most celebrated work. This was followed by a series of poems, including one that was read at President Bill Clinton’s 1993 inauguration, making her the first African American and the first woman to write and deliver such an invocation. In addition to her writings and activism, Angelou was a beloved professor and lecturer, which included her time as the Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.
Angelou left behind a lifetime of achievement, including dozens of honorary degrees, Humanitarian Awards and international recognitions. She also appeared in several films, authored numerous essays and documentaries, and wrote many plays and a television script. An inspiration to many, her words served as a call to action and her life was a beacon of hope. Untold millions around the world have been positively impacted by her life, words, and works.
In her own life, Angelou sought to empower those around her, advocating for children’s rights, education, freedom of expression and full freedom of identity. Her words have been taken up as a rallying cry by many in the struggle against inequality and injustice. As a proud African American woman, she has become an enduring symbol of the African American experience, inspiring generations of people to pursue their dreams and reach for their highest potential.
Influential Work
Maya Angelou is widely renowned for her influential works of autobiography, fiction, poetry and screenplays. Her autobiographical works, chronicling her childhood and adolescent years, remain the most read in the world. Her best-known work, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, is one of the most influential books of the twentieth century, and her poetic work is celebrated for its spiritual and inspirational message. Additionally, Angelou wrote numerous essays and documentaries, as well as plays and a television script.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was released in 1969 and instantly received critical acclaim. The novel received numerous awards and honors, and has been read in its entirety by television audiences around the world. Angelou’s other autobiographical works were similarly received warmly by critics. Her novel Gather Together in My Name explored her teenage years, while Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas revealed her life as a single immigrant mother working in New York in the 1950s. Angelou’s writings strongly advocated for freedom of expression and full freedom of identity.
Angelou’s poetry was equally well-received. Her poetry collections, such as And Still I Rise and Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie, have been published and sold around the world. Her poem “On the Pulse of Morning,” which she read at President Bill Clinton’s 1993 inauguration, is her most famous piece and makes her the first African American and the first woman to write and deliver an invocation at a presidential ceremony.
In addition to her written works, Angelou was an accomplished screenwriter and received an Academy Award nomination for her adaptation of the classic novel, The Chestnut Tree. She was also a director and producer, earning a Peabody Award for her 1980 miniseries, Down in the Delta. Across all of her works, Angelou touches on topics of family, race, gender and identity in her exploration of what it means to be an African American in America.
Activism
Maya Angelou was a passionate activist and advocate whose voice spoke for oppressed peoples throughout the world. She worked closely with several prominent figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., W.E.B. Du Bois and Rosa Parks. Her activism began in the 1950s as a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and she later became the coordinator of the SCLC’s New York office, which opened in 1957.
Angelou was an advocate for diversity and human rights. She served as a leader and an organizer of numerous events and projects, including the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery march and King’s I Have a Dream speech. As an esteemed lecturer, educator and professor, Angelou also defended academics throughout her career, advocating for research and study abroad. She was one of the first African American women to serve on the Board of Education in her district.
Beyond her work in the civil rights movement, Angelou was committed to breaking barriers for women in media, art and literature. She was the first African American woman director in Hollywood, and she continued to support women’s rights and advancement throughout her life. Additionally, Angelou was heavily involved in numerous cultural organizations, such as the Harlem Writers Guild and the Black Permanent Cultural Exchange.
Angelou was an influential voice in the fight for justice and equality. Her inspirational words and deeds have given courage and hope to countless people around the world and have helped to break down walls of prejudice, fear and injustice. Her legacy of activism continues to this day, with her words, works and life serving as an inspiration to countless people.
Lecturing and Teaching
Maya Angelou was a beloved professor, lecturer and educator throughout her career. In the 1960s and ‘70s she lectured on a variety of topics, including civil rights, race and gender. In 1974, she became a professor at Wake Forest University, where she served as the visiting Reynolds Professor of American Studies for over five years.
At Wake Forest, Angelou formed an elite freshman seminar course, that focused on real-world problems and solutions. Among the issues addressed were racial injustice, education, and the value of literature. Her teachings were so influential that the university established the Maya Angelou Center for “Health, Education and Human Services” in her honor. She also taught seminars in women’s studies and literacy in Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia and North Carolina.
Angelou also wrote and performed in various shows, including her own as solo works. She was a powerful advocate of the spoken word, performing her works around the world. The impact of her spoken word performances enhanced the impact of her spoken words and writing. Her powerful readings of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings were received with standing ovations.
In her teaching and lecturing, Angelou imparted her insight, discipline and passion for learning on her students and audiences. Her lectures touched upon the importance of creativity, literacy and understanding. Through her teachings, Angelou provided the world with profound messages of hope and encouraged others to reach their full potential.
Philanthropy and Humanitarianism
Maya Angelou was passionate about giving back to her community and beyond. She devoted countless hours and resources to organizations and causes that focused on civil rights, education and child welfare. She was one of the first people to join the Children’s Defense Fund, and she established the Maya Angelou Fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals and organizations in the fields of healthcare, education and the arts.
Angelou also worked on behalf of several charities, such as the National Black Arts Festival, the National Coalition for Homelessness and the Museum of African American History and Culture. She served on numerous boards, including the Women’s Caucus for the Creative Arts, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the New York City Opera and Oprah’s Angel Network.
Angelou often donated her time to humanitarian causes, frequently appearing at events to raise awareness and funds. She also lent her support to numerous organizations, traveling to Africa, India and other parts of the world to help build schools and provide resources to those who need them most. Additionally, Angelou worked with her son, Guy Johnson, to create the AngelouJohnson Foundation, which strives to improve the lives of African American women and children.
Maya Angelou was an inspiring philanthropist and humanitarian whose message was shared with millions around the world. Through her words, works and deeds, she touched countless lives and inspired many to reach their highest potential and promote justice, equality and understanding.
Awards and Recognition
Maya Angelou is widely praised for her many contributions to literature, activism, and human rights. She received dozens of honorary degrees, Humanitarian Awards and international recognitions, making her one of the most honored writers and activists in the world.
Angelou was a noted recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010 and the Lincoln Medal in 2008, both of which were awarded to her in recognition of her impact on society. She also was a recipient of numerous literary awards, including the NAACP Image Award, the Langston Hughes Medal and the National Book Award, among many others.
In addition to literature and activism, Angelou was awarded for her work in film, television and theater. She received a nomination for an Academy Award for her screenplay adaptation of the novel, The Chestnut Tree. For her solo works, she was honored with the North Carolina Award, the National Medal of Arts, and the Presidential Medal of Arts.
Angelou’s works have been translated into several languages, and she has received many international recognitions throughout her career, including France’s National Order of Merit and the British Empire Medal. She was also a recipient of numerous awards from the United Nations, and she was named U.S. Ambassador of Culture to South Africa.
Maya Angelou was an icon in the world of literature and activism. Her passion and dedication have left an indelible legacy which will continue to inspire generations to come.
