Maya Angelou is one of the most influential American poets, activists, and authors of the 20th century. Born Marguerite Ann Johnson, she was an active member of the Civil Rights Movement, served on two presidential committees and received numerous awards from the NAACP. Today, her works are still cherished, most notably her autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and her poem of tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., “On the Pulse of Morning”. It’s no surprise that many are wondering where is Maya Angelou today.
As of 2021, Maya Angelou is sadly no longer with us. She passed away on May 28, 2014 at the age of 86. Before she died, she lived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she associated with Wake Forest University as the Reynolds Professor of American Studies since 1982. Her influence still remains in the city, with a park and a bronze statue of Maya.
Although Maya Angelou is no longer with us, her legacy remains. Her works continue to inspire and reach millions of people around the world. She donated the papers of her life and works to the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York City. Additionally, her works can be found at the Library of Congress and the African American Studies department of the University of Virginia.
In addition to her many works, Maya Angelou’s life and accomplishments will be forever remembered. She was the first African American Female Director to be honored by the Director’s Guild of America, a Presidential Medal of Freedom Winner, and inventor of the “My Invocation” program focused on restorative practices for youth. She managed to remain relevant throughout the years – in 2015, a Google Doodle was made for her 87th birthday – and she will forever be remembered for her valuable works of art and her unwavering activism for African American people.
Today, Maya Angelou’s legacy lives on through her books, poetry, and efforts to fight racial injustice. Even though she is no longer with us, her works will continue to inspire millions of individuals for many years to come.
Maya Angelou: Influential Writer and Poet
As an influential writer and poet, Maya Angelou had a great impact on literature, music, and society. Through both her works and life, she helps us to understand the complexity of African American identity and culture. From her amazing poetry, to her powerful prose, her words are timeless. For example, in “Still I Rise”, she writes: “You may write me down in history/ With your bitter, twisted lies/ You may trod me in the very dirt/ But still, like dust, I’ll rise.” These words capture the resilience of African American people, and they are still as moving today as they were when they were first written.
Maya Angelou was also a passionate activist and speaker, advocating for civil rights and against violence. She was very ahead of her time – she wrote about topics such as police brutality and lynching, and her works naturally evoke conversations about race. In her delivery, she had a unique way of captivating audiences, speaking about present and past struggles that were, and are, real for many African Americans. Through her written works and her powerful messages, Maya Angelou continues to influence us, our society, and our culture.
Maya Angelou in the Arts and Politics
Maya Angelou made her mark in the arts and politics. She was extremely well-connected; she was a personal friend of Malcom X and Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King. She also had close relationships to Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela, and Bill Clinton, and she influenced them to use their public platforms to advocate for civil rights and other social issues. Additionally, she shared her wisdom in interviews and documentaries, making her one of the most visible African American leaders of the 20th century.
Moreover, Angelou’s influence was felt in arts venues, from film to music. She wrote a number of plays, performed in front of Clinton at The White House, and acted in movies such as “Poetic Justice” and “Madea’s Family Reunion.” Her autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” also received a great deal of critical acclaim, as it is often considered one of the most important books of the 20th century.
Maya Angelou: Global Icon
Throughout her life, Maya Angelou was an international icon, mobilizing support and assistance for racial justice everywhere. As mentioned before, she was an active member of the Civil Rights Movement. She also traveled extensively around the world, giving speeches and lectures and speaking on topics such as gender, race, and identity. Her message was powerful, and she managed to empower individuals throughout the world.
In addition to her works, her inspiring messages also lived on through her powerful quotes. For example, her widely-quoted words “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.” still remain true, and many of her quotes are shared and believed by millions of people around the world.
Maya Angelou was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, and her influence will remain for many years to come. Her works, words, and advocacy helped to shape our society and showed us the importance of standing up for equality and justice. We are all fortunate to have had Maya Angelou in our lives.
Maya Angelou and Feminism
Maya Angelou was a powerful advocate for feminism and female empowerment. She wrote extensively about themes of racism and sexism in her works, tackling issues such as sexism in the workplace and gender discrimination. In her book “We Should All Be Feminists”, Angelou wrote passionately about the importance of gender equality, saying: “Freedom is the ability to define ourselves and our pursuits without fear of the consequences of other people’s opinions.” Through her works and speeches, she encouraged women to find their own power and fight for equal rights.
Additionally, Angelou used her art to draw attention to issues of autonomy, bodily autonomy, and women’s sexuality. She spoke openly about the struggles of womanhood, and encouraged women to have autonomy over their own bodies. Her voice was an essential part of the feminist movement of the 20th century, and her passion helped to make significant progress in the rights of women.
Maya Angelou and Education
Maya Angelou was also highly influential in the area of education. She was a strong proponent of education, and she worked with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to promote educational opportunities for African American children. She also created an organization called The Maya Angelou Learn2, which promotes collaboration in education and provides resources for teachers.
Moreover, Angelou was a powerful and inspirational figure for students around the world. She often gave lectures to young people, urging them to find their power and use their intellectual gifts. Her words of wisdom and her exhortations to find the strength within inspired millions, and she was an example of success for many. She was also a fierce defender of books and reading, and she advocated for the importance of literacy and the written word.
Maya Angelou: An Enduring Legacy
For over 50 years, Maya Angelou was an inspirational figure, a leader of the civil rights movement, and a powerful advocate for gender and racial justice. Her life and works have impacted millions of individuals around the world, and her legacy will remain for many years to come. As a writer, poet, and activist, she was a powerful force for change, and she demonstrated the importance of empowering and valuing every individual. Her words, ideas, and works will remain as a testament to her spirit and good works.
