Maya Angelou: Phenomenal Woman

Maya Angelou was a highly influential American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Her autobiographical work, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” is a poignant exploration of her tumultuous early life. 

Angelou’s eloquent writing and impassioned activism made her a prominent voice for racial and gender equality, leaving an indelible mark on literature and social justice.

Her life’s impact is celebrated for its resilience, wisdom, and enduring contribution to both literature and the fight for civil rights.

Maya Angelou’s Childhood 

Maya Angelou’s childhood was marked by both hardship and resilience. She was born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, as Marguerite Annie Johnson. Her parents’ marriage ended when she was very young, and she and her brother Bailey were sent to live with their paternal grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas.

In Stamps, Angelou experienced the harsh realities of racial segregation in the American South during the 1930s. She and her brother faced discrimination and witnessed racial injustice. During this time, she was also sexually abused by her mother’s boyfriend, an experience she later wrote about in her groundbreaking memoir, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”

Despite the challenges, Angelou found solace in literature and developed a love for books and poetry. Her passion for language and storytelling would later become central to her identity and career as a writer and poet. Angelou’s childhood experiences profoundly influenced her work, shaping her perspective on race, identity, and the human spirit.

Early Life and Accomplishments

Maya Angelou overcame an extremely challenging childhood in segregated Arkansas to become one of our time’s most inspirational African American voices. 

As a young single mother in her late teens, she supported herself and her son by working multiple jobs while pursuing education and artistic passions. In the 1950s, Angelou toured Europe and Africa as a performer and dancer, then dedicated herself to the civil rights movement in the U.S.

Maya Angelou studied French very early on and grew fluent in the language. As a young professional dancer and actress in the 1950s, she toured Europe for the Porgy and Bess opera productions. She spent years living in France and West Africa, which aided her further French immersion. 

This fluency in French later enabled her to work on African affairs at the Organization of American States in Accra, Ghana. Her French skills also led her to co-teach a French Immersion class with a Ghanaian scholar at Wake Forest University later in her life.

Angelou is probably best known for her series of seven groundbreaking autobiographical books, starting with her international bestseller “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” in 1970, which broke new ground depicting the experiences of African American women. A talented poet, she shared her poetry at the historic inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993.

Over a dynamic, impactful career, Angelou received over 30 prestigious honorary degrees, published 36 books that sold millions of copies, won 3 Grammys for her spoken word albums, garnered Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award nominations, and became recognized as an advocate for civil rights, female empowerment and enlightened wisdom bridging divides. 

With eloquence and passion, Angelou’s voice powerfully articulated the struggles and triumphs of African Americans – especially women – before a broad mainstream audience.

Maya Angelou’s Famous Works

Some of Maya Angelou’s most famous and influential works include:

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” (1969)

Angelou’s international bestselling autobiography details her early life and traumas growing up as an African American girl in the segregated South. It launched the seven-volume series chronicling her life.

“The Heart of a Woman” (1981)

The fourth autobiographical volume recounts Angelou’s experiences in the civil rights movement, time spent in Africa, and her growth as an artist and activist.

“Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie” (1971)

 Angelou’s first poetry collection was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. The poems conveyed profound aspects of the African American experience.

“Phenomenal Woman” (1978)

Angelou’s iconic poem celebrates women’s inner strength and beauty, which has gained immense popularity. She self-published it as a gift to friends before a wider release.

“On the Pulse of Morning” (1993)

This inauguration poem read by Angelou brought her international attention as she shared it at the first inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993.

“Gather Together in My Name” (1974)

The second volume of Angelou’s autobiography delves further into her exploration of identity as a young single mother and provider in 1950s America.

Angelou’s works emphasized themes of identity, racism, family, perseverance, and women’s empowerment with a distinctive style blending emotion and insight. Her iconic books and poems profoundly impacted literature.

Maya Angelou’s Famous Quotes

Maya Angelou’s journey from trauma to being a celebrated writer and activist made her one of history’s most impactful voices on resilience and the human capacity to overcome. Despite racist and sexist obstacles, she shared her journey to inspire courage in readers ranging far beyond her community. 

Angelou’s famous works showcase motivational quotes on empowerment that underscore how no cage can imprison the spirit – if we dare to find our wings and the freedom to soar.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said and did but never how you made them feel.”

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with passion, compassion, humor, and style.”

“Courage is the most important of all virtues because, without courage, you can’t consistently practice any other virtue.”

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”

“Have enough courage to trust love and always one more time.”

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”

Angelou’s motivational words sought to inspire readers’ courage, resilience, and self-worth by sharing her journey of overcoming incredible hardship with grace.

The Rise of the Phoenix

Maya Angelou overcame tremendous trauma and hardship to become a world-renowned activist, poet, educator, and best-selling writer. 

Rising from an upbringing mired in racism and trauma to give voice to marginalized people, her works showcase resilience transcending oppression. Though Angelou’s challenges early on were grave, her motivational quotes and stories highlight the prospect of hope blooming over adversity. 

More than conveying the unique difficulties impacting African American women, Angelou’s body of inspirational literature teaches readers of all identities to tap into their courage and capacity to shape dignified, purposeful lives. 

Decades since gaining global fame, the empowering messages in Angelou’s autobiographies and poems continue driving positive change – underscoring how sharing the stories that make us vulnerable also makes us human. Her timeless words illuminate literature’s power to unite, uplift, and shape a better future.

Conclusion

In addition to Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, and W.E.B. Du Bois, three influential black figures have profoundly shaped the notions of injustice and equality. Winfrey’s influential talk show platform and philanthropic endeavors have amplified marginalized voices and promoted social equality.

Meanwhile, Du Bois’s groundbreaking sociological research and civil rights advocacy have laid the foundation for modern-day activism, challenging systemic injustices in American society.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Maya Angelou die?

Maya Angelou died at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on May 28, 2014, at 86. The cause of death was natural causes, according to a statement by Wake Forest University, where Angelou had been a professor of American Studies since 1982.

What is Maya Angelou known for?

Maya Angelou rose to international fame as an author, poet, educator, and civil rights activist. She is perhaps best known for her groundbreaking 1969 memoir “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” which chronicled trauma and racism in her early life. Her works of inspirational literature gave a powerful voice to African American women’s stories.

Who are Maya Angelou’s parents?

Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1928. Her parents were Bailey Johnson, a Navy dietitian and doorman, and Vivian (Baxter) Johnson, a nurse and real estate agent. Her parents split up when Maya Angelou was very young, and she was sent to live with her paternal grandmother in rural Arkansas.

What is the value of the Maya Angelou quarter?

According to the US Mint site, the Maya Angelou Quarter will be released in the first quarter of 2022. Its monetary value will align with regular circulating US quarters’ $ 0.25 face value.

However, as with other special release quarters in the past, like the 50 State Quarters series, the Maya Angelou quarter may end up trading for a slight premium amongst collectors, meaning its practical resale value could be between $0.25 to $1 shortly after its release.