Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4th, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was an African-American poet, novelist, and civil-rights activist whose work was praised by everyone from Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama to Oprah Winfrey. Angelou passed away at the age of 86 on May 28th, 2014 in her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Angelou lived a diverse life, though she had a very tough childhood. At 8-years-old she was sexually abused by her mother’s boyfriend, which she revealed in her 1969 autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Angelou studied dance and drama at San Francisco’s Labor School which is when she adopted the name Maya Angelou, derived from her childhood nickname “My” and a variation of her middle name “Anne.”
Angelou joined the civil rights movement in the early 1960s. She was an active participant in the March on Washington for Jobs for Freedom, in which Martin Luther King Jr. gave his iconic “I have a Dream” speech. She served as an adviser to Malcolm X and later joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Angelou’s career as a writer flourished. She published numerous books of poetry, including the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Die, a collection of essays, autobiographies, theatrical plays, and scripts for film and television. Her best-known book is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which recounts her early life up until she was 16-years-old.
Angelou proved to be a gifted speaker who truly inspired and lifted up everyone around her. She gave lectures at universities and colleges across the United States, and in 1993 she recited her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration, becoming the first African-American woman to lead an inaugural poem without the use of a Bible.
Contributions to Society
Angelou dedicated her life to the fight for social justice and played a major role in the civil rights movement. During the 1970s, Angelou served on the Board of Directors of the NAACP. Angelou actively campaigned against the apartheid system in South Africa and urged everyone to practice nonviolent resistance. Her 1973 book, And Still I Rise, was praised by many as one of the most important pieces of literature on civil rights.
Throughout her illustrious career, Angelou spoke at numerous events in order to spread her message of equality and justice. She was an advocate for women’s rights, and in 1973 she became the first black woman director to have a screenplay produced. Angelou also served as Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.
Public Recognition & Awards
Angelou’s work was widely recognized and celebrated. She wrote and produced several Broadway plays, was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009, and in 2011 she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Obama. She was also awarded more than 50 honorary degrees throughout her career.
Angelou’s stories touched people of all ages and helped to give a voice to those who felt unheard. She was an exemplary example of how to use our words to bring people together to fight for justice and equality. Even though Angelou is no longer with us today, her legacy lives on through her inspiring words.
Writing Influences
Angelou sought inspiration from a variety of sources, with music and literature being some of the most influential for her. She was heavily influenced by African American writers such as Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, as well as the work of poet laureate Gwendolyn Brooks. Her love for music is evident in many of her works; she often wrote about blues, jazz, and gospel music, and she wrote a book on blues artist Bessie Smith.
Angelou’s writing is also heavily influenced by her own experiences, and she often explored the concept of using art and creativity to confront the injustices of racism, sexism, and classism. Angelou recounted these emotional and spiritual journeys in her poems and books, inspiring readers to embrace their own stories in order to create art.
May Angelou’s Legacy
Angelou’s work has been an inspiration to many, and her legacy will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come. One of her most famous quotes captures her life’s mission: “I have tried to live a life that is helpful, a life that is honest, a life that is kind.” These words summarize what Angelou has left the world with: a reminder to use our voices to bring crucial conversations to the forefront of society.
In 2009 President Obama honored Angelou with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor the United States can give to a civilian, and in 2014 Obama awarded her a posthumous National Medal of Arts. Angelou’s contribution to literature and the civil rights movement will never be forgotten.
Maya Angelou as a Social Activist
Angelou was deeply committed to raising awareness of oppression and inequality. She was a champion of human rights, gender equality, and civil rights, and she used her writing as a medium for activism and social change.
Angelou spoke often about the need for individuals to speak out for justice and resist oppression, and she dedicated her life to inspiring her readers to take action. The issue of justice was of particular importance to her, and she wrote several books exploring issues of racism, sexism, and oppression.
Angelou also worked to empower women of color and to foster solidarity among marginalized groups. She was an advocate for feminism and spoke out against race-based and gender-based discrimination. Throughout her career, she used her words to champion the rights of all people and to stand up against injustice.
Maya Angelou and Human Rights
Angelou was a tireless advocate for human rights and equality, and she used her work to bring attention to these causes. She was an active member of the Civil Rights movement, writing and speaking on behalf of its causes. In addition, Angelou was an advocate for women’s rights, and she was not afraid to address the obstacles that women, particularly women of color, faced in their daily lives.
Angelou was a strong advocate for gay rights, and she embraced the diversity of human identity and expression. She stood up for justice and equality for all, and she wrote passionately about the need to rid the world of hatred and oppression.
Conclusion of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was a prolific writer, civil rights activist, and cultural icon. Her writing and activism touched people of all ages and backgrounds and her lifelong dedication to justice and equality made her an inspiration to many. Her words and actions remind us that every person has the power to bring about positive change. Angelou’s legacy will live on for generations to come.
