Maya Angelou was a renowned American poet and author. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1928, Angelou published multiple books throughout her life exploring issues of sexual abuse, feminism, racism, and social justice. Her works of fiction, poetry and non-fiction earned her numerous awards and honors, including an Emmy, two Golden Globe Awards and three Grammys. She received more than 30 honorary degrees from various institutes of higher education.
One of Angelou’s most celebrated works is her autobiographical book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. In it, Angelou courageously explores her childhood and adolescence experiences through a poetic and powerful lens. This book speaks to universal themes of resilience and growth, uniting readers of all ages and backgrounds. It is said to be the first non-fiction best-seller by an African-American woman and has sold more than 1 million copies.
Angelou’s second autobiography, Gather Together in My Name, dived deeper into her coming-of-age experiences, offering insight into what it was like to be a black woman in society at the time. Utilizing a reflection of the past to comment on the present, Gather Together in My Name serves as a poignant reminder of the lived realities of racism, poverty and sexism in the mid-twentieth century.
In addition to her autobiographical works, Angelou also wrote poetry featuring reflections on social injustice, racism, and religion. Her 1971 compilation of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie, speaks honestly to experiences of black Americans in a more metaphorical form. In 1993, her collection of poems about African-American heritage and culture, titled And Still I Rise, soon became a New York Times best-seller.
Throughout the entirety of her work, Angelou expresses a fearless, unwavering conviction in the power of resilience. In Still I Rise, her signature poem, Angelou writes confidently “Out of the huts of history’s shame / I rise/ Up from a past that’s rooted in pain / I rise”. Angelou’s work reinforces the enduring power of hope, courage and strength in the face of oppression – a message that resonates with readers of all ages.
Life Experiences Reflected in Poetry
Much of Angelou’s work, both autobiographical and poetic, reflects the life experiences she faced throughout her life. Raised in St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas, she suffered from discrimination and poverty firsthand. In her autobiographies, Angelou openly addresses many of the themes that influenced her work. She wrote openly about being a black woman in America and the struggles she faced growing up. However, Angelou was a firm believer that no matter how hard life got, resilience and determination were the only items needed to find success.
In her autobiographies and poetry, Angelou conveys her appreciation for the strength of her ancestors and her own verve. From moments of fear to moments of pride, she found ways to reflect on her experiences as a person of color and never let go of the hope that she instilled in her readers. Her message of inner strength transcends her works and her memory lives in the works of those she touched.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, in particular, is seen as one of the most important novels in modern African American Literature. Written in 1969, the book spoke openly about racism, family and southern culture. The poem’s title alone speaks to the emotional tether between Angelou and her readers. Her words provide a space for readers to process complex emotions and encourages hope in the face of oppression.
Maya Angelou as a Civil Rights Activist
In addition to her works of writing, Angelou was also an active Civil Rights activist. She was inspired by civil rights leaders, such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, who also used literature to further their cause. Angelou was a poet first and foremost, but her words and works provided a powerful backdrop to the movement.She marched, spoke and wrote on behalf of the movement, and her poetry and prose encourage others to stand up for what is right.
Angelou’s activism reached far beyond her poetry. She was actively involved in the organization of Southern Christian Leadership Conference which brought together various civil rights activists throughout the African American community. She was deeply committed to the civil rights movement and used her works as a platform for successful political change. Her words called for protest and action, but also for mutual communication, respect and understanding among people from different backgrounds.
In addition to her work with civil rights, Angelou also campaigned for education reform, housing assistance, and resources for people in poverty. Along with her activism, Angelou was an actor, a dance teacher, and a playwright. She took an interest in all areas of the arts and used her influence to propel forward the civil rights movement. Angelou used her influential platform to call for justice and inspire readers to strive for equality. Her works of writing and activism will continue to shape the political landscape for years to come.
Influence on Pop Culture and Education
Angelou’s influence has impacted pop culture and education profoundly.Her autobiography reached millions of readers, and her works were required readings in many English classes. Her poem “Phenomenal Woman” from And Still I Rise was the basis for the musical Broadway play “Phenomenal Woman” which ran for several years and about life in pre-Civil Rights Movement America. She was even asked by Bill Clinton to compose and recite a poem for his Presidential Inauguration in 1993.
Angelou was an inspiration to many people, including President Obama.Obama was inspired by Angelou’s work and met with her a number of times. President Obama went on to refer to Angelou as “one of the brightest lights of our time — a brilliant writer.” Her legacy will continue to be remembered through her works and the influence she had on generations of people that came after her.
Legacy Lives On
Angelou’s written works spoke to many diverse audiences, being translated by numerous languages.Her legacies and works won numerous awards, honorary degrees, and cheers from audiences. Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014, at the age of 86. But her commitment to social justice and her belief in the power of resilience continue to live on. Though Angelou’s physical form is gone, the lessons learned from her work remains invaluable.
Angelou’s words had an empowering quality about them. She took what are usually painful experiences and turned them into something uplifting and beautiful. She spoke directly to her audiences and wrote from her heart. Her work continues to help millions of people better understand the world around them and strive for social change. Her legacy will live on through the powerful words she left behind.
