Maya Angelou was an acclaimed poet, author, and civil rights activist. As a true Renaissance woman, she made lasting contributions to the cultural landscape of America. Born Marguerite Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou moved to San Francisco, California in her early twenties. The Bay Area would remain her home for the majority of her life.
At first, Angelou attended and excelled at San Francisco’s renowned poet and play writing incubator, the California Labor School. This was the perfect place for her to hone her craft, meeting and learning from the likes of writer James Baldwin, dancer/choreographer Alvin Ailey, and blues man Pee Wee Clark. Not content to merely absorb her surroundings, she also worked and sang in nearby nightclubs.
In the early 1950s Angelou married the Greek musician Tosh Angelos, and the pair moved to Hawaii. During their time in Hawaii, Angelou received her national credentials for her writing and acting career, completing her first solo-authored autobiography titled, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. She also became closely involved in the civil rights movement, supporting upcoming freedom riders while also acting as an ambassador of change in the state.
Angelou eventually re-located to New York City and there, her career blossomed as a playwright, TV/film star, and writer. Even as she juggled these roles Angelou also served as a respected professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University, North Carolina. While living in New York, she enhanced her feature films, writing her second best-selling autobiography titled, Ain’t I a Woman, and collaborated with the Broadway actor, singer and composer Cab Calloway.
By the late 1960s Maya Angelou had returned to San Francisco and settled into a home off of the famous Fillmore Street. Her creative genius flourished with the launch of two films, a play and an illustrious collection of other works. She was also an active board member of the Black Panther Movement, which further extended her notoriety and recognition as a strong leader in the civil rights struggle.
Despite all the exciting places she had been and all of the great things she had accomplished, the Bay Area was the true love of Angelou’s life. In 1992, Angelou helped to spearhead the renovation of a Fillmore District theatre which was later named after the legendary jazz singer, B.B. King. During that same time, she also moved into a home on Mission Street, which became her preferred place of residence for the remainder of her life.
Even as she continued her work as a civil rights advocate, Angelou also remained an avid educator and noted public figure. In 1996 she was conferred with a dedication of the new San Francisco Library named in her honor. She also served on the board of higher learning institutions, including the University of California Berkeley, Four Colleges of New York and San Francisco State University.
Her talents
Maya Angelou was a talented woman with numerous skills, including writing, acting, directing and producing. Throughout her adult life in the Bay Area, Angelou was able to sharpen her creative skills while also focusing on social activist endeavors. She wrote five autobiographies, several books of poetry, and a collection of essays at various stages in her life. Her most celebrated work was her first autobiography, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, which highlighted key details from her troubled childhood.
She was also a vocal philanthropist, supporting numerous charitable organizations such as the Hunger Project and Hero of the People, as well as co-founding several of her own non-profit organizations. During her time in the Bay Area, Angelou was also active in the Black Panther movement, using her artistry to promote civil rights and dignity for African Americans.
In addition to her writing and activism, Angelou was a renowned actor and vocalist. Her notable acting credits include film roles in How to Make an American Quilt, Brewster Place and the TV series, Roots – for which she was a co-producer. Angelou also appeared on TV shows and talk shows, as well as sang at jazz clubs in New York City.
Angelou’s talents earned her numerous awards and tribute throughout her life, including a National Medal of Arts and numerous honorary doctorates. Additionally, she was honored with a Pulitzer Prize nomination and a recording contract, even receiving a Grammy Award for her hit album, Oh Pray My Wings Are Gonna’ Fit Me Well.
Her Accomplishments
Throughout her life, Maya Angelou was an active and vocal supporter of civil rights efforts, volunteering her time to various causes and also working closely with prominent civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In addition to being a pillar of the civil rights movement, Angelou was an esteemed professor, poet, and educator. She served as a professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University, NC, and she also held lectures and workshops at universities, colleges and academies around the world.
Angelou was a prolific essayist and author, writing five autobiographies, a collection of poetry and countless essays throughout her life. She received many awards for her work, including a National Medal of Arts and a Pulitzer nomination. Angelou was a true Renaissance woman and her many interests and skills connected her with people from all walks of life, from influential artists and academics to everyday citizens.
In addition to her long list of accomplishments, Angelou also had a significant impact on the local scene in San Francisco. She was an active board member of the Black Panther Movement and she was closely involved with the renovation of the Fillmore District theater, which was later named after the legendary jazz singer, B.B. King. Angelou was a highly respected member of the community and her contributions to the city’s culture and history are still felt today.
Her Legacy
By the time of her passing on May 28, 2014, Maya Angelou had left an indelible mark on San Francisco’s cultural landscape. Through her involvement in organizations such as the Black Panther Movement and her generous support of various causes, she was instrumental in bringing attention to civil rights issues and inspiring much-needed discourse. Her work as an educator, poet and author has also served as a powerful source of inspiration, particularly for members of the African American community.
Angelou set a precedent for the modern day Renaissance woman, inspiring generations of women to embrace their creativity and strength in the pursuit of their dreams. In recognition of her contributions to their city, San Francisco dedicated a new library bearing her name, an honor that stands as a testament to her legacy as a global icon.
The Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity
In honor of Angelou’s legacy, the city of San Francisco has launched the new Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity. The center seeks to bring an end to inequalities in health care and to bring quality health services to low-income communities. It seeks to bridge gaps in access to care, recognize and eliminate health disparities, and promote overall health equity.
The center is committed to Angelou’s vision of health equity, using her signature quote, “Lift as we climb” as its guiding principle. Established as part of the University of California, San Francisco, the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity works to bridge the gaps between medical education, public health, social justice, and health care delivery, aiming to reduce disparities in health outcomes across all populations.
Final years in San Francisco
In her final years, Maya Angelou chose to remain in the Bay Area. She was well known among the citizens of San Francisco and was passionately involved with various civic organizations and charitable initiatives. In 2013, Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor bestowed by the United States. Additionally, her autobiographies, poetry and essays continue to inspire people around the world even after her passing.
Angelou’s life spanned over eight decades, during which time she was an inspiration to many. During her time in the Bay Area she was a celebrated leader whose efforts impacted thousands. Her story stands as an example for young people around the world, showing them that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and grit.
