Maya Angelou wrote her poem, ‘Phenomenal Woman’, in 1978. The poem was written as part of a collection of poems in a book titled ‘And Still I Rise’. The collection was published by Random House with the poem being one of the major works contained within the book. Angelou’s poem has resonated with women around the world and is cited as a powerful source of gender and racial empowerment. Its lyrical approach to life’s challenges has made it an iconic message of hope and resilience that is still relevant today.
The poem itself consists of four stanzas and speaks to Angelou’s own experiences of life as a black woman. She addresses the double standards that women faced at the time, the pressure to conform to gender stereotypes, and the idea of celebrating beauty in all its forms. Throughout the poem she reinforces the idea of living life with confidence and pride, and most importantly, of loving oneself. It is this theme of love that is the core of the poem, and it is a message that still speaks to women today.
At the time of the poem’s initial publication, it was incredibly influential in its approach to celebrating women. It spoke of a time where women have the right to pursue their dreams and be whomever they wanted to be. In its lyrical approach, it was unlike any other poem before it, and its message of empowerment, resilience and strength still resonates with women all over the world today.
The poem was an instant success and has gone on to be reprinted and anthologized many times over. Such has been its impact on the world that Angelou’s words have been engraved on the walls of public places, and even printed on T-shirts and mugs. The poem has a universal status and receives praise for its celebration of the beauty and strength of the black female experience.
Brief Biography of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Johnson, was an American poet, author and civil rights activist. Born in 1928 in St Louis, Missouri, Angelou began writing at a very young age. As an adult she wrote several autobiographical works and collections of poetry, some of which were very successful. She was a professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, and her work has been acclaimed by the Pulitzer Prize committee. She passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy of powerful and thought-provoking literature.
Angelou’s Other Inspiring Works
Angelou’s works about racism, identity, family and love touched the hearts of readers across the world. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays and several books of poetry, including the beloved ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’. Although works like ‘Phenomenal Woman’ got her acclaim, her other works like ‘Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Die’ and ‘Gather Together in My Name’, also explore the topics of race, identity and resilience.
The Influence and Legacy of ‘Phenomenal Woman’
Although written some 40 years ago, the impact and resonance of Angelou’s poem can be seen in current work. From popular singers to fashion designers, Angelou’s message of female pride and self-love can be seen in the work of many contemporary female-led initiatives. On top of this, the words of ‘Phenomenal Woman’ can be heard in classrooms, libraries and workplaces all around the world.
Angelou as an Icon of Women’s Empowerment
Angelou’s work has inspired countless women in their journey to self-love and self-acceptance. She has been hailed as an iconic figure of the civil rights movement and has left a lasting legacy. Her words have become a revolutionary anthem for modern black women and for feminine voices around the world. Angelou has been awarded over 50 honorary degrees and has been posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Impact of ‘Phenomenal Woman’ on Popular Culture
Today, Angelou’s poem is frequently referenced in popular culture, most notably in Beyonce’s lyrics, ‘Pretty Hurts’, in which she states, ‘I’ma be that phenomenal woman that makes me feel that divine.’ Angelou’s poem has also received praise from the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Taylor Swift, as well as being quoted in the Hollywood film, ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. This shows that Angelou’s powerful messages of empowerment and resilience have not been forgotten.
Angelou’s Poetry as a Means of Empowerment
Angelou’s work was a tool of empowerment, especially for black women who faced even higher levels of discrimination due to their gender and race. Angelou’s words helped to not only raise awareness, but to also engender a sense of pride and self-acceptance in many. She wrote in a way that was both lyrical and inspiring, creating a legacy of powerful words that will be remembered for many generations to come.
