Maya Angelou was a prolific African-American author, poet, and civil rights activist, born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. She shifted between California and Arkansas during her childhood years and spent most of her adolescent years in San Francisco. Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014 at the age of 86, in her Winston-Salem, North Carolina home.
As an author, Maya Angelou had a successful writing career with numerous best-selling and influential works, such as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, her first autobiography. Through her life she published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry and she was also a screen writer and film director. Additionally, Angelou also had a highly successful career in poetry, as she was penned for many iconic affective works.
In terms of activism, Angelou was a prominent figure in the 20th century African American Civil Rights Movement, having worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X amongst many others. After the assassination of Malcolm X, Angelou wrote her critically acclaimed poem, “Still I Rise”, which is considered one of the most inspiring and empowering pieces ever written. Later, Angelou was also appointed the US ambassador for the United Nations nation, Ghana. Thus, Maya Angelou’s work as an author and her contribution as an activist have continued to be celebrated around the world.
Throughout her life, Angelou had won several accolades, including over 50 honorary degrees. Angelou was recognized with such honorary titles as National Book Foundation, National Medal of Arts, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Lincoln Medal. She was also described, by former US President Obama, as “one of the greatest voices of our time”. Therefore, her lifetime achievements were celebrated after her death with a service at Wake Forest University along with a tombstone in her honor.
The legacy of Maya Angelou remains significant and equally inspirational. Her autobiographies, such as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, are still taught today in various educational institutions and her many poems still echo powerful and inspiring messages in the lives of many. Although she passed away in May 2014, Angelou’s words and works remain timeless and highly revered.
Influences on Her Works
There were many influences that inspired and informed Maya Angelou’s works. Firstly, throughout her writing, one can identify African American history and culture which was a significant source of her inspiration. For example, in her poem “Still I Rise” Angelou writes, “Just like the moon, I see my perfection”. This is an honorific reference to African American folklore, which traditionally asserts that the female spirit must be as resilient as the moon.
Additionally, Angelou’s works are also highly informed by her Christianity. For instance, in her autobiographical poem, That Miracle How Sweet It Is, Angelou requests “Oh God, to walk with me on Earth, midst all my wanderings and derisions”. This reflects her sense of spirituality and her reliance and comfort in her faith. Moreover, in her poem Caged Bird, we can find references to the word of Christ, suggesting that much of her works explored her inner and spiritual life.
In addition to these influences, Angelou was also greatly inspired by her own life experiences. Much of her poetry and autobiographies extensively explored her personal life story, including several allusions to her difficult and painful upbringing. For instance, her autobiographical work I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings drew on her own traumatic childhood experiences. Ultimately, Angelou’s works informed by her own life combined with references to African American history and culture, and Christianity, shaped her works herself and her legacy.
Educational Achievements
Maya Angelou stood out particularly in the educational sphere. Angelou’s writing career began at the relatively young age of 17, when she dropped out of high school to become San Francisco’s first foremost African-American female cable car conductor. She later dedicated her life to her love for literature and earned her Bachelor of Arts, with honours, in drama and dance from the San Francisco’s College for Women, in 1951.
The next year, Angelou served as the first female and African-American street car conductor after being fired previously due to her colour. In 1995, Angelou received her PhD in Literature from the University of Arkansas, making her the first African-American woman to deliver a commencement speech. Overall, Angelou achieved numerous educational achievements throughout her lifetime, proving that hard work and dedication can bring a person significant success.
The Core Message Behind Angelou’s Work
The purpose of Maya Angelou’s work was to explore her life experiences, and share inspiring and uplifting messages of personal resilience, hope and compassion. For instance, in her poem Phenomenal Woman, Angelou sends a powerful message of reclaiming ownership of one’s body and femininity. She also wrote several poems that embody her personal perspective of self-confidence and positivity in the face of racism and discrimination.
Moreover, Angelou’s work also encompass Christian values and symbols. For instance, in her autobiographical poem I Rise, we can find various allusions to Jesus Christ and the resurrection. Additionally, in her book A Brave and Startling Truth, she pasques her poem of the same title as a call to action to readers. This poem conveys Angelou’s message of unity and peace, ultimately emphasizing the importance of rising to the challenge of making a positive change in the world.
Through her life and work, the core message of Maya Angelou was to instill profound lessons of strength and resilience in the face of inequality and injustice. This is the ultimate message Angelou continues to share with her readers, even after her passing.
Political Career
Maya Angelou’s career was also highly intertwined with politics, as she was a leader in the African American Civil Rights Movement. For instance, in her early years, she became the Northern coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) when she worked closely alongside Martin Luther King, Jr.
Not only that, but in 1972 Angelou’s autobiography Still I Rise was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. This nomination was highlighted by the press around the world, significantly impactful in the African American Civil Rights Movement.
In 1977, under the appointment of president Jimmy Carter, Angelou received a role as a state department official representing the USA in Ghana. In this role, Angelou was responsible for monitoring the national elections, promoting Democratic principles and encouraging non-violent resolutions to political strife.
At the funeral of her friend, civil rights leader Coretta Scott King, Maya Angelou delivered the eulogy, further demonstrating her commitment to the African American Civil Rights Movement. Overall, her political career was inextricably connected with her journey as an author and ongoing efforts to encourage political change.
Role in Women’s Rights
Similarly, Angelou was also an active figure in the Women’s Rights Movement. Such involvement was expressed through her work and her presence in the public sphere. She shared her perspective with other women’s rights activists, such as Alice Walker, in an article for The Washington Post in 1984.
In the same year, Angelou also wrote her autobiographical poem Phenomenal Woman, which addressed issues of body policing, gender performance and femininity. This poem served to inspire and encourage women to embrace their beauty and confidence.
Moreover, Angelou was also a prominent public speaker. In 1993, she accepted the invitation to deliver the inaugurate poem to President Clinton’s inauguration. Her poem On the Pulse of Morning, was received with critical praise, inspiring many people across the world, particularly women.
Therefore, we can see that Maya Angelou was highly committed to advocating for women’s rights, demonstrating her firm belief and support for gender equality. Through her works, including On the Pulce of Morning, and her speeches and public engagements, Angelou was a figurehead for women’s rights, inspiring and encouraging many.
