The Maya Angelou Quarter was unveiled in April 2021, in commemoration of the renowned American poet, autobiographer and civil rights activist. The quarter, which is part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, is the first minted coin to bear an image of a real-life woman. It honors Dr. Angelou for her accomplishments and her contributions to American culture, literature and civil rights. The reverse design of the quarter features a portrait of Angelou with a banner quoting her line: “A brave and startling truth.”
The U.S. Mint has been producing America the Beautiful Quarters since 2010, with five new designs released each year. They represent a selection of natural landmarks, national parks and other sites of historic or cultural significance in each of the 50 states. The first 25 designs were released in 2010, and the final designs were released in 2021. Before the Maya Angelou Quarter, no living person had been the subject of a circulating U.S. coin. This makes Angelou’s quarter not only a tribute to her own remarkable accomplishments but also a celebration of the accomplishments of all American women.
The idea for the Maya Angelou Quarter came from D.C. Senator Michael D. Brown, who had seen the powerful impact of Dr. Angelou’s writing. He proposed the idea to the U.S. Mint, and it was quickly approved. The concept for the portrait was created by designer Chris Costello, who also designed the obverse of the quarter. The final coin design was approved by Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew in 2015.
The Maya Angelou Quarter was officially launched on April 7, 2021, at the National Park Service’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. It was well-received by a crowd of fans, friends and family of Angelou, who had previously passed away in 2014. The event was attended by members of the U.S. Mint, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and many other prominent figures. The quarter was officially released in circulation on May 10, 2021, and is expected to be popular with both coin collectors and casual passers-by.
The Maya Angelou Quarter is a valuable reminder of the power and influence of Angelou’s words and deeds. She was an icon of social justice, and it is fitting that her portrait is the first of a real-life woman to be featured on a circulating U.S. coin. The quarter serves as a powerful symbol of progress and a reminder that the accomplishments of all women should be recognized and celebrated.
Early Life and Career of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in Saint Louis, Missouri, in 1928. Her parents divorced when she was three, and she and her brother were sent to Stamps, Arkansas, to live with their grandmother. Angelou’s upbringing was marked by poverty and racial segregation, but she was taught the importance of education by her grandmother. When she was 14, she dropped out of school and hitchhiked to San Francisco, where she supported herself by working various odd jobs. She eventually returned to school and earned her high school diploma in 1945. In 1952, she became one of the first African American women to work as a streetcar conductor in San Francisco.
Angelou soon found success as a writer, poet, and political activist. She is best known for her 1969 memoir, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. She published nine volumes of poetry, wrote numerous autobiographies, and penned several plays and films. In addition to being a prolific writer, Angelou was a civil rights activist, a professor at Wake Forest University, and the first African American woman to be honored with a Pulitzer Prize special citation. Her work and her advocacy for civil rights, gender equality and other social causes have had a lasting impact on American culture and helped to widen our understanding of life in the United States.
Influence of Maya Angelou
The influence of Maya Angelou has been wide-reaching and profound. She was an advocate for civil rights, women’s rights and gender equality. Her work and activism have inspired many people around the world, and her legacy has been honored in many ways. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, the National Medal of Arts in 2000, and the Lincoln Medal of Honor in 2008. In 2014, she was posthumously awarded the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal. Various buildings, streets, schools and even a mountain range have been named after her.
The Maya Angelou Quarter is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary woman whose life and work have touched countless people. It serves as a reminder that women have long broken down barriers and achieved greatness in spite of considerable challenges. By recognizing Angelou’s legacy, the quarter also recognizes the achievements of all American women and the importance of celebrating and honoring their accomplishments.
Purpose of the Maya Angelou Quarter
The purpose of the Maya Angelou Quarter is to honor the legacy of one of the most influential women in American history. The quarter was issued to commemorate Angelou’s remarkable accomplishments and her contributions to American culture, literature, and civil rights. It is also a celebration of the triumphs of all American women and a testament to the power of resilience and perseverance.
The idea for the design of the Maya Angelou Quarter came from Senator Michael D. Brown, who proposed the idea to the U.S. Mint and it was quickly approved. The portrait of Angelou was created by designer Chris Costello and the final design was approved by Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew in 2015. It was officially released in circulation on May 10, 2021 and is expected to be a popular quarter with both coin collectors and casual passers-by.
Popular Reception of the Maya Angelou Quarter
The Maya Angelou Quarter has been enthusiastically welcomed by coin collectors, civil rights advocates and fans of Angelou’s work. It has been well-received by members of the U.S. Mint, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other prominent figures. It is seen as not only a tribute to the late Angelou’s achievements but also a celebration of the accomplishments of all American women.
The quarter has been hailed as an important symbol of progress and an inspiring reminder of the importance of striving for excellence and justice. It is widely regarded as a fitting tribute to an extraordinary woman whose life and work have touched us all in countless ways.
Memorable Quotes by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was well-known for her poignant words of wisdom and her commitment to making a difference in the world. She was a passionate speaker and advocate, always inspiring others to do their best in the pursuit of equality and justice. Here is a selection of some of her most memorable quotes:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
“I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.”
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
Continuing the Legacy of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s legacy continues to live on in the hearts of all those who have been moved and inspired by her words. Her achievements and the impact of her life’s work are a reminder of how much can be accomplished through dedication and perseverance. She was and still is an icon for justice and human rights, and her legacy lives on in the Maya Angelou Quarter and other tributes to her remarkable life and work.
To this day, Angelou’s writings, her voice and her spirit are still felt in various communities throughout society. Her words of wisdom and courage continue to challenge and encourage people to strive for a fairer, more equitable world and to make a positive change in their own lives.
