The world was deeply saddened in May 2014 when world-renowned poet, author, performer and civil rights activist Dr. Maya Angelou passed away. A truly inspirational figure, Dr. Angelou left an indelible and inspirational mark on the world through her art and advocacy. This article will provide further information on her passing, the achievements she attained during her life and the legacy she left after her death.
On May 28th, 2014, Dr. Maya Angelou peacefully passed away in her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the age of eighty-six. Her passing was unexpectedly sudden; her family and close friends were deeply impacted by this loss. Prior to her passing, Dr. Angelou received an abundance of recognition for her work as a poet, author, actor, singer, civil rights activist and educator.
During the 1960s, Dr. Angelou was best known for her spoken-word performances, which often included improvisational dance, traditional proverbs and themes from African American folklore. She also wrote books; her best-seller, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, was published in 1969 and put Maya Angelou on the map as a prominent African American artist. Her career was notable in that it spanned over fifty years; her skills in writing, speaking, music and dance were all highlighted in her work.
That being said, perhaps the most valuable contribution that Dr. Maya Angelou made to the world was her tireless promotion of civil rights and racial equality. As mentioned previously, she was very active in promoting African American culture, literature and history in her work; she also spoke out on the importance of understanding each other’s differences and celebrating diversity. Moreover, her travels and her numerous speaking engagements also served as a platform from which she advocated for peace, education, better working conditions and economic freedom.
At the time of her passing, Dr. Maya Angelou was considered one of the best-known poets and authors of this generation. She received over fifty honorary degrees and more than thirty books of poetry and prose.? Her achievements reached far beyond her successful career; she was also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Arts in 2000 and the Lincoln Medal in 2008.
Dr. Maya Angelou’s Legacy
One year after her passing, the life and legacy of Dr. Maya Angelou were officially honored by the U.S. Congress. Beyond being a world-renowned figure, her work was a foundational part of America’s culture and history. Her books, poetry and speeches highlighted a range of topics such as civil rights, equal rights, feminism and racism. Above all, her talent, courage and spirit has been celebrated around the world, with several organizations, initiatives and events dedicated to her memory.
In addition, Dr. Angelou’s work continues to live on through the organization she founded prior to her passing. The Maya Angelou Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to providing grants and scholarships for aspiring writers and aspiring author, to honoring African American history and to advocating for civil, women’s, and LGBTQ rights.
Dr. Maya Angelou’s impact on the World
The phrase “still I rise” is often associated with Dr. Maya Angelou, as the words perfectly summarize her philosophy and the mark she left on the world. Throughout her career and her life, Angelou faced numerous obstacles and tragedies, yet her determination and resilience were a model for generations to come. Both her work and her actions were a testament to her enduring spirit and the power of self-expression.
Her writings were truly inspirational in nature, as her words both captivated and emboldened readers. Dr. Maya Angelou’s books, poems and speeches were both powerful and accessible; her words helped to shape conversation around important topics such as race and personal identity.
Dr. Angelou’s impact is also felt through her work as an advocate and educator. Her various speaking engagements and her continuous promotion of civil rights and justice helped to catalyze progress and change around the globe. Additionally, her efforts as an educator produced influential and diverse leaders who eventually became prominent figures in the civil rights movement.
Dr. Maya Angelou’s Impact on Poetry
Over the course of her storied career, Dr. Angelou applied her prolific poetry to a wide range of topics, such as individuals and historical events, while utilizing her own experiences as a powerful source of inspiration. Moreover, her poetic style helped to open up a new, daring perspective on spoken-word performances, as she often utilized improvisation and traditional African American folklore in her works.
In addition, her writings garnered her numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dr. Angelou became the first African American woman to have a play, ‘Cabaret for Freedom’, presented on Broadway. Her work also served as a source of inspiration for a large number of poets, writers and activists worldwide. Her words served as a poetic reminder of the adversity that African Americans have faced throughout history.
Dr. Maya Angelou’s impact on Civil Rights Activism
Dr. Maya Angelou’s activism extended beyond her writing and performances, as she was an active participant in the civil rights movement. In the 1960s, she supported Martin Luther King Jr.’s efforts to promote racial equality, nonviolence and economic justice. She later served as an advisor to the President and a national spokeswoman for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
In addition, Angelou extended her advocacy to other issues as well, such as education, international peace and women’s rights. Later in her life, she opened up a home for foster children in North Carolina, which served as a reminder of her commitment to those in need. Moreover, her commitment to racial equality was evident in her television show, ‘Stories with Maya Angelou’, which highlighted African American scholars, athletes, and entertainers.
Dr. Maya Angelou’s Contributions to Education
Throughout the course of her life, Dr. Angelou served as an educator and advisor to many influential leaders in the world of academia and education. She formed close relationships with a number of African American scholars, including W.E.B. Du Bois and Langston Hughes, and also taught at universities such as Wake Forest University, which established an endowed professorship in her name.
Moreover, Dr. Angelou was a strong advocate for young people and children’s education. She authored a number of books for young people, became a visiting professor at numerous universities, and established a literacy program in middle and high schools. Her efforts have been credited for inspiring a new generation of writers, poets, and activists.
Conclusion
Dr. Maya Angelou was one of the most influential and inspiring figures of our time. Her passing in 2014 left the world in mourning, yet her life and work live on to serve as a reminder of her courage and commitment to justice, equality and education. From her poetry and performances to her courage and advocacy, Dr. Maya Angelou left an indelible mark on the world and blazed a trail for future generations to follow.
