Maya Angelou was a renowned American poet, singer and civil rights activist. She was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 1928. At the age of three, she moved to Stamps, Arkansas with her grandmother, a woman she loved and admired. Growing up in a racially segregated society, Maya Angelou was subjected to discrimination, which spurred her strong passionate views on civil rights and freedom. Despite the oppressive atmosphere of segregation, she demonstrated courage by joining the Civil Rights movement and becoming involved with youth art programs in San Francisco.
In her twenties, Angelou began her career as a professional singer, traveling the country and touring with jazz legend Alvin Ailey. Through her career as a singer, Angelou developed a love for poetry and eventually published her first poem in 1959. Taking her poetic talents to the next level, in 1970 she became one of the first African American woman to write a best-selling novel. Even more remarkably, Angelou became one of the first African American women to write a screenplay and direct a feature film.
Angelou’s work was highly influential, and her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) is hailed as one of the great classics of 20th century American literature. Her poems, which emphasized the resilience and beauty of African American women, were loved by many and brought her great renown. Maya Angelou wrote numerous books, including a series of seven autobiographical books which carried her personal story from childhood to adulthood.
She was an exceptionally soft spoken and wise woman, whose sage advice and moving quotes were wildly popular. Maya Angelou’s speeches and poems often focused on topics such as identity, racism and forgiveness, and she was an inspirational icon for her strong commitment to civil rights. As testament to her profound impact, Angelou received more than 50 honorary doctorates throughout her lifetime, along with the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
At age 86, Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014. Her death was felt deeply by the nation, but her spirit and legacy of resilience, courage and artistic excellence will remain with us forever.
Her early life
Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. Her childhood was split between St. Louis, where her mother lived, and Stamps, Arkansas, her Paternal Grandmother’s home. She found inspiration and solace in her grandmother’s home, a place she describes as “a little south of heaven.” Despite enduring segregation and racism, she was an excellent student and graduated with high honors from George Washington High School in California in 1945. After high school, she moved to San Francisco, where she took two paid jobs as a street car conductor and a waitress while having fun singing in different night clubs.
Following her 17th birthday, she became pregnant with her first son and returned to Stamps, Arkansas to raise him. After having her second son four years later, Maya Angelou separated from his children’s father. She then returned to San Francisco and resumed her professional career. She found a job as a composer, grew a love for poetry and worked in the civil rights movements. It was during this period that she encountered legendary figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
Her Literary Career
Maya Angelou’s writing career began in 1959 when her first poem was published in a British magazine. It was when her first autobiography, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, was published in 1969 that she became an international literary star. Her unique perspective as a black woman and her own personal experiences working within the civil rights movement that set her work apart from the rest. The book was groundbreaking and the first of seven autobiographical books that continues the story of her life journey.
Angelou’s early poetry subsequently caught the attention of James Baldwin, who suggested she record an album entitled Miss Calypso, which she did. Her writing style further evolved in the early seventies when she wrote her first full-length play, Georgia, Georgia. In all, she wrote more than 25 books, including poetry volu es, essay collections and her celebrated autobiographies. Her work continued and she was honored with more than 50 honorary doctorates and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Philosophy and Influence
Maya Angelou was an iconic figure who is remembered not only for her political insight, but also for her refusal to back down in the face of adversity. Her career was marked by her courage and refusal to accept oppressive views about the inherent inequality of races and genders. Through her writings, she conveyed a message of self-love, resilience, and understanding that was inspiring to readers.
Angelou’s nonfiction book Letters to My Daughter (2008) was an influential work which emphasized the importance of education, positive thinking and her strong commitment to civil rights. Her wise advice, moving quotes and touching stories have helped many people find guidance during tumultuous times. Angelou’s popular book of poetry, And Still I Rise (1978) was a defying statement maya angelou lifelong mission of resilience, strength, and justice.
Legacy
Maya Angelou’s reputation as a civil rights icon and literary giant is legendary. She was a free-thinking artist that spoke her truth through her work and fought for freedom and justice. She used her power to advocate and fight against racism and oppression, and to inspire the next generations through her stories of courage and strength.
Angelou’s legacy will endure for years to come. Her works are read by people of all ages and backgrounds, giving voice to topics such as love, race, identity, courage, and resilience. Angelou’s legacy will continue to live on through her inspiring works, her profound messages, and her courage to stand up for justice and equality.
Award and Achievements
Maya Angelou received numerous awards for her literary and civil rights achievements. In 1975, she became the first African American woman to have a screenplay produced, Georgia, Georgia. This was followed by even bigger honors, including several honorary doctorates and a Pulitzer Prize nomination. She was also honored by Barack Obama with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
Despite being a celebrated writer and activist, Angelou’s career was not without its challenges. Her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, faced criticism and even censorship due to its frank depiction of sexual violence and racism. In spite of these challenges, Angelou remained defiant and true to her cause, continuing to create a lasting legacy of inspiring words and courage.
Legacy
Maya Angelou’s lasting legacy continues to spread and inspire people around the world. She was a civil rights icon and literary giant who used her platform to fight for freedom, justice and equality. Angelou was a strong advocate for women’s rights and a voice for the voiceless. Her works of poetry and prose often conveyed a message of self-love, resilience and understanding that resonated with readers. Even in her passing, her wise words and captivating stories will continue to inspire people everywhere.
