Maya Angelou, often referred to as a ‘modern-day icon’, was a renowned poet, actress and civil rights activist. Even though the exact year she died was 2014, her legacy and impact will certainly last for generations to come.
This excellent woman was born as Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4th, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. She had a remarkable life and career, beginning as a child-star in the 1930s and continuing for decades as an acclaimed author and poet.
In 1999, Maya Angelou was awarded the Medal of Arts from President Bill Clinton. She was awarded The Presidential Award of Freedom in 2011. She also served on several committees and foundations with the purpose of dignifying civil rights.
Maya Angelou passed away on the morning of May 28th, 2014 in her Winston-Salem home in North Carolina. She had been dealing with health issues for some time and was surrounded by her family and friends when she passed away.
Funeral services were held in her honor in her hometown of St. Louis on June 7 of the same year. There, family, friends and colleagues remembered her extraordinary life and applauded her unmatched contribution to the African-American community.
Maya Angelou’s exemplary works were praised from all four corners of the world, with her books occupying a permanent place in English literature syllabuses at schools and universities around the world.
Her death left such an impression that Angelou became a trending topic on Twitter, with countless tributes pouring in from her millions of fans around the globe.
Legacy
Maya Angelou’s legacy is the gift that keeps on giving, with educational institutions and organizations dedicated to the preservation of her work. The Maya Angelou Center for Health Equality at Wake Forest University is one such organization that seeks to strengthen the understanding of health disparities among racial minorities.
The first annual ‘Maya Angelou Day’ was held in 2010 in San Francisco to celebrate her various accomplishments. In 2014, the world celebrated the 20th anniversary of Maya Angelou’s poem ‘On the Pulse of Morning’, the poem she recited at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration.
Maya Angelou was an inspiration for many, from her verses to her stance on civil rights and her unequalled world views. She is an indication that regardless of race, gender or circumstances, you could always reach for greatness.
Angelou was also a role model and storyteller – not only for her poetry but for her personal story. Her courage and strength inspired and mentored millions, showing that a person can rise up and reclaim their life.
Her lifetime achievements, publications and performance pieces were an invocation to all of us to live our own lives to the fullest, writing a story that is unique to each and every one of us.
Works and Writing
Maya Angelou wrote over thirty books and plays, six autobiographies and a vast collection of other works. Names such as ‘Gathered Stones’, ‘Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Die’ and ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ were just a few of many titles in her repertoire.
Her subjects included civil rights, racism, compassion and strength, as well as her own experiences and some uncomfortable societal topics. Her poems spoke of a desire to rise and remain unbroken.
Maya Angelou’s writing often had the depth and rhythm of her experiences and showcased her amazing ability to find beauty and beauty in even the most desperate of moments and situations.
In one of her most famous works, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, she masterfully shares her coming-of-age experiences, addressing difficult issues such as race and identity.
Angelou’s moral spirit and power to connect with readers throughout the world will not be forgotten any time soon. Her words are a call to action, to remind us to take the time to actively participate in the betterment of society.
Recognitions and Awards
The accomplishments of Maya Angelou have earned her numerous awards, recognitions and honorary doctorates. Several colleges and universities offer scholarships in her name, aiding future generations in achieving their academic goals.
She was presented with many honorary awards, including the Melnea Cass Award, the Langston Hughes Award, the St. Louis Literary Award and the Literarian Award.
The National Academy of Arts and Humanities also elected Maya Angelou as a Chancellor, a truly deserving award for a lifetime dedicated to the elevation of social awareness and equality.
Maya Angelou was also the recipient of prestigious awards, such as the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author.
From publishing books to founding organizations, giving interviews and producing plays, this amazing woman accomplished an amazing array of tasks during her lifetime.
Although Maya Angelou is no longer among us, her words and teachings will remain at the root of our hearts, motivating us to continue the processes of renewal and progress of which she was a true pioneer.
Influence in the Art World
Maya Angelou’s works have had a deep impact in the art world, as her words continue to echo inside the pages of books and her plays still remain in theaters.
Numerous musical tributes have been dedicated to her, with a great number of today’s popular artist paying their respects. Prominent singers such as Alicia Keys, Beyonce and India Arie were just a few of her avid fans.
Angelou’s work has also been adapted into movies, with the 1981 mini-series ‘Georgia, Georgia’ showcasing stories from her books, as well as an animation from her compilation of poems ‘The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou’ in 2013.
This tireless woman’s impact on modern literature and the performing arts has gone beyond the covers of books and into our daily life. Maya Angelou’s death was a tremendous loss that still resonates today.
Having surpassed her ninetieth birthday, we can still see her influence in culture, in language and in the fight for social justice, a true testament to how important her work was to so many of us.
Philanthropy and Activism
Maya Angelou was a true pioneer of the civil rights movement, often advocating for the rights of minorities in both the United States and abroad. During the early 1960s, she actively participated in marches and rallies in order to push for equality.
Angelou also volunteered for organizations such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Ladies for Women Freedom, taking part in many events and projects throughout the years.
Angelou also worked as a mentor and public speaker during her life, addressing the difficulties faced by individuals in poverty and working with the homeless, the incarcerated, and HIV-positive and AIDS-afflicted individuals.
Throughout her lifetime, Maya Angelou traveled to places such as South Africa, Japan, the Philippines and Cuba, encouraging the advancement of public education and inspiring others to grow as artists and activists.
In addition to her work in the civil rights movement, Maya Angelou also worked as an educational mentor, often donating funds to educational programs and scholarships to aid underprivileged children.
She also wrote and produced several plays and TV shows, such as ‘Roots’ and ‘Oprah’s Master Class’, in order to broaden the audiences’ understanding of the African American experience.
The works and activism of Maya Angelou had an unmistakable impact on humanity, with her efforts and support earning her some of the most highly revered and sought-after awards throughout her lifetime.
Conclusion
Maya Angelou endeared millions of people around the world with her beautiful works, indomitable spirit, and revolutionary ideals. Her death on May 28th, 2014 was mourned by millions and her presence remains forever etched in the minds of many.
Maya Angelou was an accomplished poet, an advocate for justice and a teacher to many. Her spirit lives on through the scholarship programs, the publications, and all of her literary works, reminding us all of a beautiful life that was ever inspiring and ever-lasting.
