The 2021 release of the U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters series features a commemorative coin honoring Dr. Maya Angelou. On the front, or obverse, of the coin is a portrait of Dr. Angelou – who, in addition to being an acclaimed poet, author, and civil rights advocate, was also an inspiring teacher. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1928, Angelou had a varied educational background; she attended the California Labor School and the George Washington High School in San Francisco, the California School for the Deaf and the Blind in Berkeley, and the University of California in Los Angeles.
Dr. Angelou was an avid reader and throughout her life collected many books as well as stamp, currency, and coin collectables – all of which she kept in her beloved home study. This area of her home became a peaceful refuge where she could write, reflect and explore her own creativity and inspirations. For this reason, it’s only fitting that she graces the obverse of the Maya Angelouquarter, a lasting tribute to her legacy.
The design for the 2021 Maya Angelou Quarter includes a portrait of Angelou facing left, with a floral headdress. Along the bottom is the inscription “In Service to Humanity,” which was a phrase Angelou often used to describe her work towards tackling injustice and inequality. The design was chosen to be a fitting tribute to Angelou and her dedication to social justice and civil rights.
In 2005, Dr. Angelou was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the highest civilian honor in the United States. She was also awarded the National Medal of Arts and the Lincoln Medal, among numerous other awards. In her lifetime, Dr. Angelou wrote sixteen books and held fifty honorary degrees. She was an incredible voice for justice for so many decades, and it’s only right that she appears on the obverse of the Maya Angelou quarter.
For book and coin collectors alike, the 2021 Maya Angelou Quarter is a meaningful way to honor her memory and her immense contribution to the world. The coin can be purchased from the U.S. Mint directly, or from other numismatic retailers. It can also be found in circulation with luck! No matter how it’s acquired, it’s sure to be a lasting tribute to Maya Angelou that can be passed down to future generations.
Early Life of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 1928, to Charles Johnson, a negro Marine, and Vivian (Baxter) Johnson, a nurse. She and her brother, Bailey Johnson Jr., were raised by their maternal grandmother, Annie Henderson, in the rural town of Stamps, Arkansas. While growing up, Angelou was exposed to a variety of people and cultures, which shaped her perception of the world.
Angelou attended the California Labor School and the George Washington High School in San Francisco, the California School for the Deaf and the Blind in Berkeley, and the University of California in Los Angeles. As a student, she presented herself as an avid reader and a stellar student, and was encouraged to pursue a career in entertainment. Thus began her path in the entertainment industry, which served as a platform to spread her message of social justice and civil rights.
In her teen years, Angelou found joy and success in dance. She traveled around the United States performing dance and also wrote her first poem, at the age of 16. In the early stages of her career, Angelou sang professionally at clubs and took part in theatrical productions in Harlem and San Francisco.
At the age of 18, Angelou married her first husband, Tosh Angelos, a Greek sailor. After their marriage, she and Tokyo moved to New York City and Angelou became a part of a lively jazz scene where she performed at the Purple Onion. Despite her newfound success, Angelou soon started to pursue a career in writing and earned a scholarship at the New School for Social Research to start her exploration.
The Career of Maya Angelou
During the 1950s, Angelou made a name for herself as a performer in various New York City clubs and theatres, appearing in plays by Lorraine Hansberry and James Baldwin. Given her artistic zeal and involvement in the civil rights movement, Angelou was handpicked by the novelist James Baldwin to perform in the classic Broadway production of The Amen Corner.
Angelou also dabbled in acting, appearing in several plays and films, including the British drama All Day Long in 1961 and the Bill Cosby series A Different World in 1987. She then wrote, directed, and produced several autobiographical Movies, such as Down In The Delta (1998), and Sister, Sister (1987).
Aside from acting, Angelou’s main passion was writing and she published her first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for the work in 1970. Angelou went on to write several books, including poetry, essays, autobiographies and even children’s stories. She was also very active in civil rights, participating in protests and demonstrations throughout her lifetime.
Angelou was also recognized for her ability to recite poetry, and often gave talks and performances around the world. Her iconic books and vibrant performances lead to her being named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. She was also awarded honorary degrees from universities around the world and was even appointed by President Jimmy Carter to serve on the Chancellor’s Committee at the University of Arkansas.
Education and Honors of Maya Angelou
Throughout her life, Angelou received numerous honors and awards. In 1993, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts, the highest national honor given to artists, in recognition of her literary achievements. In 2010 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor given by the United States.
Throughout her storied career, Angelou acquired many honorary degrees. In 1977, she was awarded a literary degree from Moorehouse College and in 1982 she earned an honorary degree from Princeton University. She would later receive over 50 honorary degrees from various universities around the world.
In addition to the numerous degrees, Angelou was also an active lecturer. She was an esteemed professor at Wake Forest University (1982-2010) and was also awarded a visiting professor at The University of Ghana in 2004. During her years as a professor, Angelou often shared her unique knowledge and stories, providing valuable insight for students.
Angelou was even recognized for her commitment to the cause of civil rights by former President Bill Clinton, who invited her to the White House in 1993 to read her original poem, “On the Pulse of Morning,” at his inauguration. Angelou was a beloved figure in the African American community and often quoted her own words of wisdom and encouragement. Her open heart and unique wisdom continue to influence people around the world.
An International Icon
Throughout her life, Angelou inspired and impacted people of all ages and backgrounds. She touched millions of hearts and spoke with a gentle, inspiring voice–a voice that transcended continents, communicating with people all across the world. Thanks to her powerful messages and exceptional work, she was recognized and awarded many prestigious awards and honors, some of which are listed above.
Before her passing in 2014, Angelou dedicated her time and energy to supporting various causes, especially those related to civil and human rights. She even wrote and spoke about the topics of racial and gender inequality, peace, and education. Angelou was an international icon, a tireless advocate for civil rights, and a beloved figure in the African American community.
Due to her career and activism, Angelou was added to the 2021 U.S. Mint America the Beautiful Quarters series. The coin features a portrait of Angelou on the obverse, with the inscription “In Service to Humanity” on the bottom– a fitting tribute to her extensive, lasting legacy. No matter how you acquire the tribute coin, it’s sure to be a lasting tribute to her memory, a reminder of her inspiring words, and a reminder of the powerful messages she shared with the world.
Places of Memory
Maya Angelou left an indelible mark on her hometown of Stamps, Arkansas. Her childhood home, first school and community church all figure prominently in some of her most famous works. In 2014, the Civil Rights Trail project, powered by Google, featured a historical trail dedicated to Angelou’s work, a celebration of her life and her enduring legacy of human rights.
A place of memory in Stamps celebrates Angelou’s life with a prominent monument and mural. The monument consists of four steel silhouettes representing the various aspects of Angelou’s life and career, including a dancer, poet, actor and educator. The mural, located on the side of a historic building and painted by local artist Robert Thomison, shows a tribute to Angelou by depicting her reading to a group of children in a parklike setting, an allusion to her teacher status.
The city of St. Louis has also dedicated murals to commemorate Angelou’s 51 honorary degrees, a lifetime of work, and the popularity of her famous work, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The mural, by artist and St. Louis native Jessie Unterhalter, is bright and colorful, featuring images from Angelou’s life and work.
Beyond the tributes of murals and monuments, Angelou’s work lives on through her students and her fans. Her books are studied in college curriculums and remain influential pieces of literature. With her inspiring words, her lifetime of work, and lasting legacies, Angelou’s memory and impact will long be remembered.
