Maya Angelou, the iconic poet, author, and civil rights activist, died in her hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on May 28th, 2014, at the age of 86. Angelou had been admitted to the hospital in the days prior to her death, but the cause was not announced at the time. Her family released a statement revealing that she had passed away peacefully in her sleep.
Angelou’s career spanned more than fifty years and included a stellar list of accomplishments. She wrote over thirty-five books and published seven autobiographies. Additionally, she was the first African-American woman to direct a feature film, accumulated several honorary doctorate degrees, served on the contemporary lecture circuit, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
Angelou’s career went beyond the arts. Her commitment to civil rights activism began during her early adult years and extended throughout her lifetime. She worked alongside icons such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement and served as an informative and inspirational figure for countless people around the world.
Angelou’s death was met with globar adornment and admiration. President Obama referenced Angelou’s death during a ceremony in Strasbourg, France, saying “our world is a better place because of her.” He later released a statement, offering his condolences to her family, friends and admirers and thanked her for her contributions to society.
Angelou is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century. Her impact on literature, civil rights and the arts continues to resonate throughout the world and her memory is honored every year on what would be her birthday, April 4th.
The Academic Side of Angelou’s Death
Angelou’s death first made news during a presidential ceremony in Strasbourg, France, and since then, the details surrounding her death have been informally observed through various releases. Her death was initially reported as a result of “natural causes,” however, it is unclear whether a cause of death was ever officially determined. This lack of clarity has led to some academic speculation as to the official cause of death.
One of the more popular theories circulating amongst academics is that her death was caused by an underlying condition, such as a terminal illness or chronic medical condition. While this theory has yet to be confirmed, it is still widely accepted by many in the fields of medicine and academics. Even family members of Angelou have remained silent on this issue, leaving further speculation as to the true cause of death.
Additionally, academics have speculated that her death may have been due to the stress she experienced during the last two years of her life. During this time, she had been highly involved in a number of political and social causes, as well as writing and editing books for publication. Her grueling schedule combined with her advanced age may have contributed to her death.
The issue of Angelou’s death has also prompted a discussion amongst academics on the tension between public disclosure of information regarding a personal tragedy and the right of a family to protect their privacy. The lack of detailed information concerning the cause of Angelou’s death illustrates this tension between the public’s right to know and the right of a family to maintain their privacy.
The Legacy of Angelou’s Death
Although the exact cause of Angelou’s death remains uncertain, her legacy as an influential writer, poet, and civil rights activist lives on. Her works have been cited in a number of scholarly pieces, used as guiding principles for political movements, and used as inspiration for some of today’s top writers.
In addition to her influence in the literary and political world, Angelou’s death also sparked the emergence of a new generation of activists and reformers in the United States and around the world. Through her life and work, Angelou served as an example of how to fight for justice and freedom. Her passing has propelled many to continue in the footsteps of the legend, in the hopes of carrying on Angelou’s mission.
Angelou also left behind a lasting influence on popular culture. She was cited by countless musicians, including Alicia Keys, T.I., John Mayer, and Blue Oyster Cult, who used her works as lyrical and compositional inspiration. Her poetic expressions have been embraced by modern groups such as the Black Lives Matter movement and have served as the foundation for numerous organizations.
Moreover, numerous monuments have been erected in Angelou’s honor, including an eight-foot bronze statue in her hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and a red rose being planted at the Rockefeller Garden in New York City. Additionally, a public school was dedicated to her in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2018 and her works are widely studied in classrooms across the United States.
The Impact of Angelou’s Death
Angelou’s death had far-reaching implications beyond the literary, political and activist world. Her passing led to an outpouring of grief from her friends, family, and fans from all walks of life, both in the United States and internationally.
Angelou’s funeral in 2014 was attended by a variety of famous figures, including then President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Coretta Scott King, who all eulogized and honored her extraordinary life. The memorial service was broadcast live, allowing viewers from around the world to join in the celebration of her life.
The months that followed saw a number of special events and programs in Angelou’s memory, many of which were attended and supported by her closest friends and colleagues. These events featured live readings of her works and tributes from influential voices. Her friends and admirers continue to honor her memory by participating in events such as the Maya Angelou Day celebration and the anniversary of her passing.
Angelou’s Death & Mental Health
The death of Angelou touched many and brought to light an ongoing discussion regarding mental health in the African-American community. The lack of explored mental health issues, stigma attached to those seeking help and resources available continues to be a problem in this population.
The pain and suffering of Angelou’s passing taught the world that good mental health is essential and should be given more attention and support. Angelou’s death sparked a larger, more comprehensive discussion about mental health, providing an opportunity for many to explore not only her legacy, but also the impact of mental health for African-Americans.
Angelou’s death ushered in a new wave of mental health awareness and services. Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the American Psychological Association actively work to make mental health services more accessible to underserved populations. It is important for health care practitioners to understand the importance of supporting individuals who are dealing with mental health issues.
Furthermore, Angelou’s death opened up a platform for non-profit organizations and community leaders to speak out about the realities of mental health in today’s society. This platform has allowed advocates to draw attention to the need for more equitable access to mental health care, more effective treatments, and greater public understanding of mental health conditions.
Conclusion
The death of Maya Angelou has left an indelible mark on the world. In her lifetime, she accomplished so much, and her death has sparked a renewed passion to continue the fight for justice and freedom. Her memory lives on in monuments erected in her honor, in the countless works based on her poetry and prose, and within the souls of those who had her in their hearts. Angelou’s death serves as yet another reminder of the integral role mental health plays in our lives, and the need for more resources and understanding for those struggling with mental illness.
