Maya Angelou, under her birth name Marguerite Ann Johnson, was born on April 4th, 1928 in Arkansas. As a child, she changed her name to Maya Angelou, a combination of her nicknames, and it stuck. The nickname Maya was given to her as a toddler by her beloved uncle who named her after the famous Greek Goddess, Maia, who was the mother of Hermes, son of Zeus and is often associated with fertility and growth. Angelou was given to her by a college friend, who gave her this name as an act of affection because of Angelou’s affinity for the skies and the heavens. This combination of the two nicknames became the one name that would become synonymous with bringing the voiceless to life and creating a bridge between the African-American and white communities.
Maya Angelou’s name change was both simple and complex. On the one hand, she was inspired by her childhood nicknames but also by her desire to see a transformation in the way African-Americans were treated. In her autobiography I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Angelou wrote that she chose a phonetic spelling for “Maya” and “Angelou” because those names both “gave a sense of identity” to her. Furthermore, Angelou believed her new name would help her to become a more distinguished person in the literary world, being on the same level with other great writers.
In the 1950s, during the period of the Civil Rights Movement and the war against racial discrimination, African-American coexisted in a society that was mostly populated by whites. Nevertheless, Angelou was ahead of her time and had the courage to change her name from Johnson to Angelou in order to find a place for herself and to make a statement. This name change was symbolic for Angelou, and came with the additional meaning of for her to separate herself from her childhood surroundings and experiences.
However, the process of changing her name was not easy. Initially, she did not share it with anyone while she was in college. This led to the college seeing her as the person she was before the name change, causing her disappointment and uneasiness. Afterwards, she decided to inform her professor of the change, who then embraced it and she became proud of her new name. Despite initial difficulties and inconveniences, Angelou was proud of her new name and changed her signature in order to reflect it.
Whilst many people decide to change their names for personal and professional reasons, Maya Angelou’s name change is both inspiring and meaningful. For her, changing her name was more than a simple name change, but meant a change of perspective, a revolution and a search for new identity. Her name change reflects a spiritual and emotional shift, from being oppressed and voiceless in a segregated world to becoming someone who paved the way for future authors and activists.
Social Consequences of the Name Change
Maya Angelou’s name change from Johnson to Angelou expressed a desire to challenge the status quo, while combating the racial discrimination that African Americans faced at the time. Through her name, she sought to break the mould and emancipate herself and those like her from their confining upbringing, as well serving to connect her to freedom and a new found identity. In this way, the name change was a necessary move to break away from her past and past associations and attitudes.
By changing her name, Angelou also had to struggle against a society that embraced audacity and was rooted in traditional values and beliefs. Her name change allowed her to fit in with the world of literature, while additionally positioning her as an active agent in the battles for civil rights and equality. Maya’s new name was evidence of her increased awareness and pride in the African American culture, as she could now proudly and indifferently express her feelings when defending it.
Additionally, her name change allowed her to express a part of her identity in the public space, giving her the chance to turn her life story into a form of art. Through her works, Angelou was able to tell her story, her struggle for freedom and identity and her existence as a poet, a storyteller and a leader. In this way, Maya Angelou’s name change was significant in more ways than one.
The name change was crucial to Maya Angelou’s life, as it allowed her to step up to the challenge of the time and gain exposure and recognition as a literary figure. Although it did not guarantee her success, the name change provided her with the emphasis needed to craft her purpose in life and to make a statement.
Name Change Impact on Career and Life
The name change enabled Maya Angelou to express her thoughts and experiences more widely, granting her a platform for her to express her ideas and put forward her claims for change. This was especially true for her experiences in the segregated South, which enabled her to express how civil rights activists were viewed and spoken of. Moreover, her name change allowed her to become a source of inspiration for those who were facing similar challenges.
Further, by changing her name, Angelou broadened her creative horizon, allowing her to focus and explore themes pertinent to the black experience, such as racism, poverty, broken family dynamics and despair. With her new name, Maya Angelou expressed and expressed her purpose, the invitation she gave to readers to take a journey of understanding and empathy, to inhabit and explore the strength of human spirit and resilience in the face of daunting odds.
In addition, the name change opened new doors for Maya Angelou, as it provided her with access to social networks and support sources as she forged a career in the literary world. Her name change eventually led to her becoming a respected and recognized figure in the African-American community and far beyond. Through her works, such as her collection of poems and her autobiography, Angelou was able to make a name for herself, promoting the importance of expression and knowledge.
The name change allowed Maya Angelou to expand her influence, using her position and skills to advocate for the civil rights of African-Americans and equality among all individuals. Angelou was a powerful figure and an influential mentor to many, speaking out for the oppressed, unprivileged and those who were seen as voiceless, eventually transforming her name into a symbol of strength and liberation.
Legacy Behind the Name Change
Angelou’s name change is still remembered today, as it has become an important part of her legacy and life story. The name change was a deliberate move from Angelou, who sought to express her identity and her beliefs, while honing her skills and her role in the battle for civil rights and racial justice. As a result, the name change has become symbolic of the struggle for freedom and resilient attitude, with her name being used to inspire those who are facing marginalization and oppression.
Maya Angelou’s name change linger on as a source of inspiration, a representation of hope, strength and particularly of a life of courage and undeniable empowerment. Her name has become an iconic symbol of courage, resilience and power, as her works give voice to those who have been ignored and silenced by wider society.
Although changes of name can be nothing more than a simple transformation, in the case of Maya Angelou, the name change had a much more meaningful purpose, one that remains relevant and inspiring today. By changing her name she was able to become a beacon of light in the face of adversity, while inspiring others to stand up against oppression and discrimination and speak out against the injustice they face.
The Power of Maya Angelou’s Name Change
Maya Angelou’s name change was significant in more ways than one, being part of her journey from oppression to emancipation. By changing her name from Johnson to Angelou, Angelou sought to take a stand, claiming her identity and her rights as a citizen and as a woman, making a statement to the world. As a result, her name has become synonymous with strength, courage and resilience and has been used to inspire individuals across the globe.
Through her name, Maya Angelou has been able to create a bridge between different races, opinions and beliefs, being seen as a leader, an advocate and a guiding light to her peers. This impact of her relatively simple change in name has been wide-reaching, as her name and her works have often been seen as an invitation to explore and embrace the strength of the human spirit.
Additionally, Angelou’s name change has influenced the way in which women of colour have been seen and represented in literature, paving the way for other contemporary authors and inspiring a whole generation of storytellers to come. In this sense, Maya Angelou’s name change has become a symbol of progress and a source of inspiration for those seeking to empower themselves and those around them.
Modern Day Inspired by Maya Angelou’s Name Change
The power and influence of Maya Angelou’s name change extends to the current day, providing individuals with an example of self-determination and inspiring people to ask questions and take action. Her name remains an icon of courage and strength, reminding us of the importance of standing up for our beliefs and questioning the status quo. Therefore, the name change is seen as a gateway to radicalism and a call for empowerment, especially amongst young African-American women.
For instance, the name change has been adopted in recent years as a symbol of female solidarity and as a way to reject preconceived notions. Women are now often encouraged to find their own “Maya”, by fighting against the marginalization they face and standing up against oppressive structures in order to create systemic change. In this sense, Angelou’s name change has become a symbol of resistance, revolution and perseverance.
Moreover, Angelou’s name change is still seen as an example of success, in the sense that it did not guarantee her success as a writer, however gave her a platform to stand out and to make her voice heard. Therefore, it serves a reminder of the power of determination and courage.
Reflection of Maya Angelou’s Name Change
Maya Angelou’s name change remains a symbol of inspiration and recognition and serves as a reminder of the importance of taking a stand in the face of adversity. Her story serves as gentle reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of transformation, especially when it comes to fighting against oppression and discrimination. Therefore, her name change not only represents an act of defiance and strength, but can be seen as a reflection of radicalism and the courage to fight against any form of injustice.
Further, Angelou’s name change is a stark reminder of the long journey that African Americans have faced and will likely still face for years to come. Nevertheless, her story remains a reminder that despite all the challenges, it is possible to fight against oppression and discrimination and to find a place and identity for oneself.
Angelou’s courage and determination to take a stand is something that remains an example to many, as it highlights the importance of courage and resilience. Through her story, Angelou was able to tell her story and to become an inspiration to others, transcending borders and providing a lesson in strength and determination.
