Maya Angelou was an unbelievable poet with powerful words that transcended across nations. She is a true testament to resiliency and wisdom.
Born on April 4, 1928, in St Louis Missouri, as Margurite Annie Johnson, her journey began in a time of racial segregation and adversity, made more mentally oppressive by the atrocities of slavery still vividly etched in the mind of progenitors.
Early Life and Struggles:
Maya’s early years were marked by trauma. Sent to live with her grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas, after what was termed a calamitous marriage, Maya discovered peace and serenity.
Despite harsh racial discrimination, she dedicated herself to reading, developing a deep appreciation for literature. This intellectual burst became her tunnel toward knowledge and self-discovery.
At the tender age of seven, she suffered sexual abuse. As a result, she was left mute for almost five years. It was a self-imposed silence for her which could be described as a cocoon for her transformation. In this time of undeniable hardship and challenges, she discovered a deeper passion for literature and poetry which laid the foundation for a future as a prolific writer.
With her newfound knowledge, Maya Angelou emerged from her silence and began to explore the arts. Initially she found success as a dancer, even while she was breaking boundaries of the stereotype, becoming the first Black female cable car conductor in San Francisco at the age of sixteen. Not to be sidetracked from her true calling she pursued her dream on the stage of performing arts, where she toured Europe as a dancer and singer, absorbing the exposure to different cultures.
At age 18 the struggles of life forced Angelou into prostitution. She later wrote that she bears no shame or remorse about it as she saw it as a job.
In the 1960s, Maya Angelou got involved in the Civil rights movement in the United States. This marked a pivotal time in her journey. She became associated with influential figures like Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr. channeling her passion for justice in her work. Maya Angelou utilized her power of speech and poetry to rise against inequality and racial injustice, becoming a beacon for change. Kotch Magazine.
Maya’s literary legacy began to take off with the publication of her groundbreaking autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” in 1969. The book was a reenactment of her early life, addressing the challenges of racism, trauma, and resilience.
The title “Success,” a poem by Paul Lawrence Dunbar, captured the essence of her journey which was the desire for freedom despite societal constraints.
Her writing journey continued with works like “Gather Together In My Name” “Singin’ and Swingin” and “Getting Merry like Christmas.” Maya’s writing became a powerful vehicle for expressing raw emotions that spoke to a common struggle that captured the collective struggles of generations.
In the 1970s Maya Angelou expanded her artistic talents into filmmaking, directing the documentary “Down In The Delta.” This film showcased her versatility and commitment to addressing social issues through various mediums. This further solidified her impact on the cultural landscape.
In 1993 Maya Angelou recited her poem “On The Pulse of the Morning” at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration. Her words were deeply felt across the nation, as they offered a vision of hope and unity. This not only affirmed her as a cultural icon but also emphasized the universal relevance of her message.
As Maya Angelou aged gracefully, she continued to inspire through her autobiographies, essays, and poetry, becoming a revered figure whose words transcended generations. Her legacy lives on as an enduring source of inspiration for those navigating their own paths to success.
Conclusion:
She has received over 50 honorary degrees, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Tony Award, and the list goes on.
Dr. Maya Angelou died on May 28, 2014, and her only surviving son Guy Johnson passed on February 16, 2022, at 77 years old.
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Contributed by Ayun Daley
