Maya Angelou, one of the most celebrated writers, poets and performers of our time, had remarkable parents. Her mother, Vivian Baxter, was a nurse and a business owner, while her father, Bailey Johnson, was a naval dietician and. mechanic. Vivian and Bailey were physically and emotionally strong people, who raised Maya to have a strong sense of self and a deep bond with God.
Vivian Baxter was a nurse who worked in the army hospital, proud of her career while having to deal with the racial stigma of the times. In 1924, she moved to Arkansas, married Bailey, and settled down. They had two children, Maya Angelou and her little brother, Bailey, who passed away at the age of 8. Vivian stood behind her husband and raised her two children, enduring the physical and emotional abuse from her husband. Despite all her hardships, she tried to instill in her daughter the belief that Black people were capable, powerful and should not be afraid.
Bailey Johnson, Maya Angelou’s father, was also a hardworking and passionate individual. He served in the US Navy as a dietician and a mechanic. His passion for mechanic work eventually led him to own his own workshop. Immediately before his death he was the owner of a thriving auto-repair shop in Stamps, Arkansas. Although his marriage to Vivian was not ideal, he was supportive and understanding when it came to his daughter. He taught Maya how to fish, drive and build things. His skills and knowledge influenced Maya to become a strong and independent woman.
Though Maya had to confront numerous difficulties and battles during her life, she was able to become the strength that she learnt and the courage that she inherited from her parents. Her parents inspired her to seek a better life and be the best version of herself that she could be. In her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya wrote “My Ancestors, my parents, my old people gave me something I could not get anywhere else – a sense of someplace to come from, of belongin.” This statement helps us to understand the powerful message of hope and love that Maya Angelou drew from her parents.
Vivian Baxter and Maya Angelou’s Relationship
As mother of Maya Angelou, Vivian was a strong and courageous figure for her daughter. She was determined to teach Maya self-confidence, love and a sense of prideful belonging. Throughout Maya’s life Vivian was her closest companion, and steered her into a positive direction. For example, her educational support, helping her to finish her high school studies, encouraging her to get into college and helping her financially when possible. The strong bond and support that Vivian provided was priceless and it helped to mold Maya into the great woman we remember today.
Vivian taught Maya that self-love and respect was paramount. She had great influence on Maya’s personal development, encouraging her to believe in herself and her capabilities to be the best in whatever field she decided to pursue. Every time Maya made a mistake, Vivian was right there to help her and give her the platform to learn from it and try again. Although Maya and Vivian had a playful and warm relationship, Vivian was strict and held Maya highly accountable for any wrongdoings and misbehaviors.
At the age of 14, Maya’s mother sent her away, in an attempt to protect and keep her from Bailey’s physical abuse. This forced Maya to grow up and take on a lot of responsibility in order to survive. Vivian trusted the government and believed that an education was the best weapon to adjust to the new life. After graduating from high school and one year of college, Maya returned to her mother, were they were reunited and reunited harmony was restored between them.
Bailey Johnson and Maya’s Relationship
Maya Angelou had a special bond with her father. Even though they did not always agree and had a complicated relationship due to his temper and the need for control, she cherished their times together. Bailey inspired Maya with his skills and knowledge of the mechanic world, teaching her patience, resilience and problem-solving. Through his teachings Maya learned to withstand the trials life presented her, a skill that would be indispensable throughout her life.
One of the most important lessons that Maya learned from her father was the sense of inner-strength and confidence. Bailey taught Maya not to be afraid of making mistakes or asking for help, comforting her that it was totally normal to make mistakes. That was why she was so resilient, independent and confident despite the struggles of society and the environment she lived in. Maya loved her father very much and appreciated him for the guidance and lessons he gave her.
Bailey Johnson, a humble, honest and balanced individual made a lasting impression in his daughter’s life. He had an extraordinary playfulness within himself that was contagious, helping to develop a stronger relationship between them. In a life marked by hardship and racing emotions, her father had the ability to bring her to an elevated state of joy. Maya’s father had an absolute compassion and respect for the natural world and taught her how to appreciate the beauty of life.
Influence of Maya Angelou’s Parenting
Maya Angelou was famously known for her fearless attitude and her ability to overcome trials, this undoubtedly was in part due to her resourceful and resilient parents. Her mother and father encouraged Maya to reach her dreams and be the best version of herself. Vivian Baxter and Bailey Johnson taught her to be proud of her skin color, LOVE herself and never back down, even in the face of adversity.
Both parents served as an example of courage and commitment, showing her that nothing is ever too hard and if you keep fighting, you will succeed. Even though Maya grew up in a world filled with inequality and prejudice, her parents showed her that she could break down all the systemic walls and stereotypes. They were her foundations and her teachers. That’s why they inspired her to believe in herself and pursue her dreams with dedication, courage and persistence.
Maya Angelou had a deep appreciation for her parents and for their advice and guidance. She worked hard to honor their legacy and used their teachings to create her own. Her unparalleled success and accomplishments are a testament to the positive and optimistic upbringing she recieved from her parents.
Bailey Johnson’s Absence and Its Impact on Maya
At the age of 8, Maya’s younger brother Bailey passed away. After his death, Bailey Johnson grew detached from Maya and her mother Vivian. He loved both of them but stopped providing them with the emotional, value and financial support he had done before that. Maya and her mother were forced to take on the burden of providing for themselves and this task was hard and overwhelming.
Bailey Johnson’s detachment from his family and emotional absence growing up had a massive influence on Maya’s development. He was the parental influence she needed and admired, however there were moments of emotional abandonment as she grew up. Nevertheless, Maya was filled with tremendous love and always remembered her father with great admiration and value.
Growing up was filled will difficulties for Maya. The absence of Bailey Johnson made it harder for her to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually. As Maya navigated the complexities of life, Vivian Baxter stepped in, providing her with the support and care she needed to mature into the amazing woman she became.
Vivian Baxter’s Passing and Its Impact on Maya
Vivian Baxter raised and supported Maya until she passed away at the age of 97, after suffering from pneumonia and having many health issues. Vivian provided her daughter with unwavering loyalty and unconditional love. Her death came with a heavy and profound sadness, just as Maya had felt when she lost her brother Bailey.
Vivian was the person who was most responsible for Maya’s resilience and her success. Her passing left Maya with a tremendous void, it was then, when Maya had to rely on herself. That experience taught Maya that she was her only support, which gave her a remarkable strength.
After her passing, Maya wrote in her book “Mommy, Dear Mommy” how she was grateful for all the love she recieved from her mother, for her mission to spread awareness and for their moments of joy and plesure together.
The Aftermath of Maya’s Parents
After losing both her beloved parents, Vivian and Bailey, Maya felt disconnected from the world. She was raised to never rely on anyone, making it difficult for her to open up and share her grief. Despite her grief, her parents instilled in her the courage and strength to face the challenges in life.
The passing of Maya’s parents meant that she had to take on more independent decisions; this grew her self-confidence and autonomy. She drew strength from her memories of her parents, the people who taught her to be the best version of herself, to love and to never back down.
Despite their passing, Maya attached herself to the teachings of strength and resilience they had crafted into her soul. This enabled her to become the strong, powerful and ambitious woman she was meant to be. Their legacy will remain deeply rooted both in Maya’s character and in the hearts of those who know and appreciate her story.
