Maya Angelou was one of the most inspiring people of the 20th century, achieving a great many things in her life. Her accomplishments had a lasting influence in both the United States and across the globe. So what were Maya Angelou’s biggest accomplishments? Here are some of her most outstanding ones.
Prominent Author
Maya Angelou was an acclaimed author, having written multiple books of poetry, autobiographies, and children’s books. Her debut autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” was an instant success, and was called “a revelatory book” by the New York Times. Further books of her autobiographical series continued that success, becoming bestsellers and helping Angelou to become an influential author.
Civil Rights Activist
Maya Angelou was a prominent member of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, galvanizing support for equal rights for African-Americans. She became close friends with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., and served as the Northern Coordinator for King’s organization in the 1960s. She also received many honorary awards from the United Nations, US presidents, and other governments.
A Voice for Poetry
Maya Angelou was an individual who was passionate about poetry and developed a great appreciation for it through her writing. She highlighted many of the injustices in the world and translated her thoughts into tender, beautiful verses. Her poem, “On the Pulse of Morning” was read by her during the inauguration of Bill Clinton, becoming one of the most famous works of poetry of the 20th century.
Stage and Film Appearances
Maya Angelou also had a strong presence in popular culture, appearing in films, television shows, and on the stage. She even wrote the screenplay and musical score for the 1972 film, “Georgia, Georgia”, becoming the first African-American woman to write a film shown at Cannes Film Festival. She also had a prolific acting career, appearing in “How to Make an American Quilt”, among many other films, as well as numerous plays.
Political Contributions
Angelou became a great influence in politics throughout her life, beginning with her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. She also served on two presidential committees for Lyndon B. Johnson and Jimmy Carter, and was nominated by Bill Clinton for membership of the National Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History. Her great influence in politics made a lasting impact on the nation.
Acclaimed Educator
Maya Angelou was an exceptional educator, working as both a professor and a lecturer. She taught writing and composition courses at Universities such as Wake Forest University, where she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies. She was also an influential public speaker, delivering speeches on social issues and standing up for the rights of African-Americans.
Inspiring Philosopher
Angelou’s writings, speeches, and quotes made her an inspirational figure and philosopher. She explored the themes of identity, love, pain, and strength in her work, and was able to attract millions of people to her words of wisdom. Through her excellence in writing, activism, and education, Maya Angelou became an inspiring figure for generations to come.
Posthumous Legends
Maya Angelou received many awards and symbols of honor after her passing in 2014, including a bill of honor from the United States House of Representatives, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and schools and statues in her name honoring her lasting legacy. Her words and teachings will continue to be remembered for generations.
Community Legacy
Maya Angelou maintained strong relationships with her fans around the world, often calling them her “community.” She dedicated her life to serving her community, even setting up the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity in 2020. This non-profit organization issues grants to communities that are most in need, and has had a lasting impact on those communities.
Barrier-Breaking Voice
Through her activism and impactful works, Maya Angelou was able to break down a variety of social and cultural barriers. She fought for equal rights for African-Americans and other minorities, making a lasting impact on how society perceives those minority groups. She was also an outspoken figure in the fight for gender equality, with her works inspiring generations of people to strive for equal representation.
Humanitarian Work
As well as her work in activism and writing, Maya Angelou also worked in humanitarian causes. She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross and the Volunteers in Service to America, among others. She also raised awareness for African-American culture and heritage, helping to generate a greater sense of self-esteem for African-Americans in the United States and beyond.
