Maya Angelou was a renowned poet, writer and civil rights activist who left a lasting impression on millions of people throughout the world. She is often referred to as one of the most influential voices of our time. Born Marguerite Anne Johnson in St. Louis on April 4, 1928, Angelou experienced a culture of racism while growing up in the segregated southern U.S. state.
During her lifetime, Angelou worked as a singer, actor, civil rights activist and lecturer and wrote several books, including her critically acclaimed 1969 novel, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’. As an activist, Angelou campaigned for racial and gender equality, speaking out against the oppression of African-Americans and women. She also supported many other causes such as HIV / AIDS awareness, homelessness and literacy.
Angelou’s influence on popular culture is perhaps best expressed in her poetry. Working under the genre of spoken word and the African-American tradition of telling stories through words, she wrote of civil rights, black love, and the struggles of being a black woman in America. Her messages of hope and resilience inspired millions of people, especially young African-American women, to speak out against racism, sexism and oppression.
Angelou was awarded numerous honors throughout her career, including being nominated for the 1967 Pulitzer Prize, being named the first female poet laureate of the United States and receiving multiple honorary degrees from prestigious universities such as Harvard and Duke.
Angelou died on May 28, 2014, but her legacy lives on through her work. Her poetry remains an inspiration for generations of individuals, who will undoubtedly continue to celebrate her words.
Life Before Poetry
Before becoming renowned for her poetry, Maya Angelou worked a variety of jobs. Having grown up in the segregated south, she experienced the harsh realities of racial discrimination first hand. She was determined to make a difference and decided to become a part of a special group of students, called the ‘Greatest Generation’, who would shape civil rights in the 1960s.
Despite her dedication to the civil rights movement, Angelou was no stranger to a variety of other jobs. She worked as a waitress and cook in San Francisco, a dance instructor and madam in Egypt, an editor for an African-American newspaper in Ghana, and even a prostitute.
It was due to her diverse experiences in such an array of jobs, that Angelou eventually channeled her thoughts and feelings into poetry.
Writing Career
Angelou wrote seven autobiographies and numerous other books, including essays and poetry. Her most famous work is ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, published in 1969. The novel became an instant classic as it eloquently narrates the story of Angelou’s life as a black female growing up in a segregated southern U.S. state.
Angelou was also a prodigious poet and one of her most famous works was ‘Still I Rise’, an ode to strength and self-love in the face of oppression. She wrote prolifically, releasing a string of best-selling books and winning numerous awards, such as being nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award.
Besides writing, Angelou was also passionate about acting. In 1972, she was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in the play Look Away, and she also featured in a variety of TV shows and films, most notably its 1993 adaptation of ‘I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings’.
Angelou’s passion for the written word was unwavering and she frequently addressed issues such as poverty and racism in her numerous essays and working, encouraging her readers to take a proactive stance in creating a better, fairer world.
Impactful Legacy
Maya Angelou has become an iconic figure of the civil rights movement and remains an inspiration to millions of people to this day. She was unafraid to speak out against injustice, her words were filled with wisdom and her life was one defined by resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
In 2014, Angelou was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Barack Obama and was celebrated as a strong female pioneer of literature and activism. To this day, she remains held in high regard, especially in the African-American community and in 2015, Angelou was commemorated by the Postal Service which issued a stamp featuring her likeness along with her words of wisdom and hope.
Poetic Messages
The key message that Angelou sought to share with her readers was strength in the face of adversity. Her words provided solace to countless people, particularly those of African-American heritage, as well as other oppressed minorities.
Her poetry is filled with inspiring and uplifting messages of hope, inspiring readers to strive for greatness despite the numerous challenges they face as a result of socio-economic, racial or gender inequalities. Angelou champions the idea of dreams and never-ending striving, furthering her message that no matter how daunting the challenges experienced by individuals, their strength will always prevail in the end.
Civil Rights Activism
During her lifetime, Angelou used her words to inspire millions to action. She was a vocal supporter of civil rights and in 1957, worked with Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Angelou was a major presence during the civil rights protests of the 1960s, and often spoke out against the government’s policies on racial segregation.
With her passionate speeches, Angelou encouraged individuals to stand up for their rights, using her own struggle with racism and injustice as a source of strength. As a prominent figure of the civil rights movement, she was celebrated for her courage and activism, becoming a symbol of the fight for justice.
In the Media
Angelou’s poetry and her tireless activism were a major source of inspiration throughout her lifetime. She used her talent and determination to break down the walls of prejudice and racism, dramatically impacting popular culture.
Angelou’s influence was not limited to literature, she featured in a variety of films, television shows and radio shows, most notably featuring in ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, a made-for-TV film adaptation of her own work.
In 2011 she wrote a tribute for President Obama’s birthday, which was hosted by the White House in Washington D.C. In the same year, Angelou was the subject of a celebratory exhibit held by the National Portrait Gallery in London, which paid tribute to her outstanding career.
Recognition
Throughout her career, Angelou was widely recognized for her work as a poet and civil rights activist. In 2010, in a ceremony hosted by President Obama, she was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest award the United States can bestow.
Angelou was also the first African-American woman to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize and was presented with numerous honorary degrees, such as Harvard and Duke. In 2008, she was chosen by Oprah Winfrey to enter the National Women’s Hall of Fame in honor of her achievements.
Conclusion for Others
Maya Angelou’s remarkable life, writing and activism left a lasting impact on the world which continues to influence generations to come. She was an icon of the civil rights movement and an inspiration for many. Angelou’s messages of strength and resilience will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
