Maya Angelou (born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928) was an American autobiographer and poet. Having been called "America's most visible black female autobiographer" by scholar Joanne M. Braxton, she is best known for her series of six autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adulthood experiences. The first, best-known, and most highly acclaimed, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), focuses on the first seventeen years of her life, brought her international recognition.
Easton Press Maya Angelou books
Franklin Library Maya Angelou books
Maya Angelou biography
Angelou has had a long and varied career, holding jobs such as fry cook, dancer, actress, journalist, educator, television producer, and film director. She was a member of the Harlem Writers Guild in the late 1950s. She was active in the Civil Rights movement, and served as Northern Coordinator of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Angelou has been highly honored for her body of work, including being awarded over 30 honorary degrees and the nomination of a Pulitzer Prize for her 1971 volume of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Diiie. Since the 1990s, she has had a busy career on the lecture circuit, making about 80 appearances a year. Since 1991, Angelou has taught at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as recipient of the first lifetime Reynolds Professorship of American Studies. In 1993, she recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Bill Clinton's inauguration, the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961. In 1995, she was recognized for having the longest-running record (two years) on The New York Times Paperback Nonfiction Bestseller List.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou was heralded as a new kind of memoirist, one of the first African American women who was able to publicly discuss her personal life. She became recognized and highly respected as a spokesperson for blacks and women. Angelou's use of fiction-writing techniques often result in the placement of her books into the genre of autobiographical fiction, but they are better characterized as autobiographies. Angelou has made a deliberate attempt through her work to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Although her books have been used extensively in the classroom, they have also been challenged or banned in schools and libraries. Her books and poetry have covered themes such as identity, family, and racism.
Early years
Maya Angelou was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 4, 1928 to Bailey Johnson, a doorman and naval dietitian, and Vivian Baxter Johnson, a nurse, real estate agent, and, later, merchant marine. Angelou's brother, Bailey Jr., gave her the nickname "Maya". The details of Angelou's life, although described in her six autobiographies and in numerous interviews, speeches, and articles, tend to be inconsistent. Her biographer, Mary Jane Lupton, explains that when Angelou speaks about her life, she does so eloquently but informally and "with no time chart in front of her".
When Angelou was three and her brother four, their parents' "calamitous marriage" ended, and their father sent them alone by train to live with his mother, Mrs. Annie Henderson, in Stamps, Arkansas. Angelou's first book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, recounts the first 17 years of her life. Four years later, the children's father "came to Stamps without warning" and returned them to their mother's care in St. Louis. At age eight, Angelou was sexually abused and raped by her mother's boyfriend, Mr. Freeman. She confessed it to her brother, who told the rest of their family. Mr. Freeman was jailed for one day but was found kicked to death four days after his release. Angelou became mute, believing, as she has stated, "I thought if I spoke, my mouth would just issue out something that would kill people, randomly, so it was better not to talk." She remained nearly mute for five years.
Angelou and her brother were sent back to their grandmother once again. Angelou credits a close friend in Stamps, teacher Bertha Flowers, for helping her speak again, as well as introducing her to classic literature. When she was thirteen, she and her brother returned to live with her mother in San Francisco, California; during World War II, she attended George Washington High School and studied dance and drama on a scholarship at the California Labor School. Before graduating, she worked as the first black female streetcar conductor in San Francisco. Three weeks after completing school, she gave birth to her son, Guy Johnson, who also became a poet.
Angelou's second autobiography, Gather Together in My Name, recounts her life from the ages of 17-19. As feminist states, this book "depicts a single mother's slide down the social ladder into poverty and crime." In those years, Angelou went through a series of relationships, occupations, and cities as she attempted to raise her son and to "find her niche," or place in the world. A turning point in this book occurred when a lover seduced her into becoming a prostitute and her son was kidnapped.
Angelou married her eighth husband, Greek sailor Tosh Angelos in 1952; the marriage ended three years later. She adopted her professional name by combining her childhood name with the feminine declension of her husband's surname. (Ms. Angelou tends not to admit how many times she has been married, "for fear of sounding frivolous.") She toured Europe with a production of the opera Porgy and Bess in 1954–1955, studied modern dance with Martha Graham, danced with Alvin Ailey on television variety shows, and recorded her first record album, Miss Calypso, in 1957. By the end of the 1950s, Angelou moved to New York City, where she acted in off-Broadway productions and met artists and writers active in the Civil Rights Movement. From 1959 to 1960, Angelou held the position of Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference at the request of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In the early 1960s, Angelou briefly lived with South African freedom fighter Vusumi Make, and moved with him and her son Guy to Cairo, Egypt, where she became an associate editor at the weekly newspaper The Arab Observer. In 1962, her relationship with Make ended, and she and Guy moved to Ghana. She became an assistant administrator at the University of Ghana's School of Music and Drama, was a feature editor for The African Review, acted, and wrote plays.
Angelou became close friends with Malcolm X in Ghana and returned to America in 1964 to help him build a new civil rights organization, the Organization of African American Unity. King was assassinated on her birthday (April 4) in 1968. (She did not celebrate her birthday for many years for that reason.) Inspired by a meeting with her friend James Baldwin, cartoonist Jules Feiffer, and Feiffer's wife Judy, she dealt with her grief by writing her first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which catapulted her to international fame and critical acclaim.
I know Why the Caged Bird Sings
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Published in 1969, this seminal work offers readers an intimate glimpse into Angelou's tumultuous childhood and her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. In I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou recounts her early years growing up in the racially segregated town of Stamps, Arkansas, where she was raised by her grandmother. Through vivid and lyrical prose, she paints a vivid picture of the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and tribulations that shaped her formative years.
At the heart of Angelou's memoir lies her unwavering belief in the power of literature and language to transcend the limitations imposed by society. Drawing inspiration from the works of Shakespeare, Dickens, and other literary giants, she found solace and strength in the written word, using poetry and storytelling as a means of expression and liberation. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is not merely a memoir; it is a manifesto of resilience, a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, and a rallying cry for social justice and equality. Through her courageous honesty and unflinching self-reflection, Angelou invites readers to confront the harsh realities of racism and oppression while celebrating the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
Since its publication, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings has captivated readers around the world, earning widespread acclaim for its lyrical prose, searing honesty, and profound insights into the human experience. Maya Angelou's timeless memoir continues to inspire and empower readers of all ages, reminding us of the importance of resilience, courage, and the power of storytelling to effect change in the world.
Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read.
Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer
Celebrations, a captivating exploration of the human experience, published in 2006, showcasing her profound wisdom, spiritual insight, and unwavering belief in the power of ritual to nourish the soul. In this illuminating work, Angelou invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, as she shares a wealth of personal anecdotes, poetry, and meditations on life's most profound moments. In Celebrations, Angelou celebrates the richness of human diversity and the importance of honoring the milestones and passages that shape our lives. From births and weddings to transitions and farewells, she offers a treasure trove of rituals and ceremonies designed to bring solace, joy, and meaning to life's most significant moments.
Through her evocative prose and lyrical poetry, Angelou guides readers through the intricacies of love, loss, and redemption, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all things and the enduring power of hope and faith. Drawing upon her own encounters with adversity and triumph, she offers words of wisdom and encouragement to those navigating life's often tumultuous waters. At its core, Celebrations is a testament to the human capacity for resilience, compassion, and spiritual growth. Angelou's profound insights and compassionate guidance inspire readers to embrace life's joys and sorrows with grace and dignity, recognizing the inherent beauty and sacredness of every moment.
Since its publication, Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer has touched the hearts and minds of readers around the world, earning widespread acclaim for its lyrical prose, spiritual depth, and universal appeal. Maya Angelou's timeless wisdom continues to resonate with readers of all backgrounds, offering a source of solace, inspiration, and hope in an often tumultuous world.
All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes
All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes is Maya Angelou's captivating memoir that chronicles her journey of self-discovery and belonging as she settles into life in Ghana. Delving into themes of identity, community, and the search for home, Angelou's lyrical prose invites readers to join her as she navigates the complexities of cultural exchange and the universal longing for connection. With poignant reflections and vivid storytelling, this memoir resonates as a timeless exploration of the human spirit's quest for belonging and purpose.
The Heart of a Woman
The Heart of a Woman is Maya Angelou's inspiring memoir that captures the essence of her remarkable life during the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s. From her involvement in the civil rights movement to her personal triumphs and challenges, Angelou's powerful narrative illuminates the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and perseverance. With honesty, grace, and poetic flair, she invites readers into her world, offering a profound meditation on motherhood, womanhood, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity.
A Song Flung Up To Heaven
A Song Flung Up To Heaven stands as the triumphant culmination of Maya Angelou's celebrated autobiographical series, offering readers a poignant and powerful conclusion to her remarkable life story. Published in 2002, this memoir serves as a testament to Angelou's resilience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to truth and beauty. In A Song Flung Up To Heaven, Angelou picks up her narrative in the wake of the assassination of her dear friend and mentor, Malcolm X, and the devastating loss of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. As she grapples with grief and disillusionment, Angelou embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual renewal, traveling to Ghana to work with Malcolm X's organization and reconnecting with her African roots. Through her encounters with luminaries such as Kwame Nkrumah and her experiences as an expatriate in Africa, Angelou reflects on the universal themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with injustice and uncertainty.
With her signature blend of poetry, prose, and profound insight, Angelou invites readers into the depths of her soul as she confronts the challenges and triumphs of her life's journey. From her struggles as a single mother to her rise to literary prominence, she shares the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and tribulations that have shaped her into the extraordinary woman she has become. Ultimately, A Song Flung Up To Heaven is a testament to Maya Angelou's indomitable spirit and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of love, resilience, and the human capacity for redemption. Through her lyrical prose and timeless wisdom, she leaves readers with a message of hope and inspiration, reminding us all that even in the darkest of times, there is light to be found in the depths of the human heart.
Gather Together in My Name
Gather Together in My Name is Maya Angelou's compelling memoir, continuing the powerful narrative of her life. Set in the postwar years, Angelou takes readers on an intimate journey through her struggles as a single mother and her pursuit of independence in a world marked by adversity. With candid honesty and lyrical prose, she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and resilience, offering a poignant testament to the human spirit's capacity for triumph in the face of hardship.
Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas
Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas emerges as a captivating chapter in Maya Angelou's remarkable autobiographical series, offering readers a vivid and soul-stirring glimpse into her journey through the vibrant landscape of mid-20th century America. Penned in 1976, this memoir stands as a testament to Angelou's resilience, creativity, and unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. Continuing the narrative begun in her earlier works, Angelou invites readers to accompany her as she navigates the highs and lows of her life's journey. From her struggles as a single mother and aspiring artist to her rise to fame as a performer on the international stage, Angelou's narrative unfolds with a blend of candor, wit, and lyrical beauty that is uniquely her own.
Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement and the burgeoning jazz scene of the 1950s and 1960s, Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas captures the pulse and rhythm of an era defined by change and upheaval. Through Angelou's eyes, readers are transported to the smoky nightclubs of New York City, the bustling streets of San Francisco, and the stages of Europe, where she finds her voice as a singer and performer. Yet, amidst the glamour and excitement of her burgeoning career, Angelou also grapples with the realities of racism, sexism, and the challenges of navigating life as a black woman in a predominantly white world. Through her poignant reflections and insightful observations, she sheds light on the complexities of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of dreams in a society marked by inequality and injustice.
With her lyrical prose and indomitable spirit, Maya Angelou invites readers to celebrate the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and tribulations of her life's journey. Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas stands as a testament to her enduring legacy as a writer, poet, and civil rights activist, inspiring readers of all backgrounds to embrace their own unique rhythms and melodies in the grand symphony of life.
Letter to My Daughter
Letter to My Daughter, a poignant and deeply personal collection of essays by Maya Angelou, offers readers an intimate glimpse into the wisdom, resilience, and grace that defined her life. Published in 2008, this literary gem serves as a testament to Angelou's enduring legacy as a writer, poet, and voice of inspiration for generations. Born in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, Maya Angelou's journey from a tumultuous childhood marked by trauma and hardship to become one of America's most beloved literary figures is chronicled with honesty and compassion in her autobiographical works. In Letter to My Daughter, Angelou extends her wisdom and warmth to readers of all ages, offering a series of reflections, anecdotes, and life lessons drawn from her own experiences.
Structured as a series of letters addressed to the daughter she never had but always desired, Angelou's memoir serves as a timeless guidebook for navigating the complexities of life with courage, compassion, and integrity. Through her evocative prose and lyrical wisdom, she offers insights on love, loss, resilience, and the importance of embracing one's own unique journey with grace and dignity. Letter to My Daughter is more than just a memoir; it is a testament to the power of literature to heal, inspire, and uplift the human spirit. Through her candid reflections and compassionate counsel, Angelou invites readers to embrace their own inner strength and beauty, reminding them of the inherent worth and dignity that resides within each and every one of us.
Since its publication, Letter to My Daughter has touched the hearts and minds of readers around the world, earning widespread acclaim for its profound insights, lyrical prose, and universal appeal. Maya Angelou's timeless wisdom continues to resonate with readers of all backgrounds, offering a source of solace, inspiration, and hope in an often tumultuous world.
Maya Angelou quotes
"I've
learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what
you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."
"We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated."
"I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it."
"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
"You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody."
"I work very hard, and I play very hard. I'm grateful for life. And I live it—I believe life loves the liver of it. I live it."
"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."
"Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible."
"My
mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so
with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
Works
Literature
Gather Together in My Name, 1974.
Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas, 1976.
The Heart of a Woman, 1981.
All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes, 1986.
A Song Flung Up To Heaven, 2002.
The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou, 2004.
Life Doesn't Frighten Me (poem), edited by Sara Jane Boyers, illustrated by Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1993.
Soul Looks Back in Wonder (with others), illustrated by Tom Feelings, 1993.
My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me, photographs by Margaret Courtney-Clarke, 1994.
Kofi and His Magic, photographs by Margaret Courtney-Clarke, 1996.
Maya's World series, illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell, 2004.
Poetry
Oh Pray My Wings are Gonna Fit Me Well, 1975.
And Still I Rise, 1978.
Shaker, Why Don't You Sing, 1983.
Now Sheba Sings the Song, 1987.
I Shall Not Be Moved, 1990.
"On the Pulse of Morning", 1993.[29]
The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou, 1994.
Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems for Women, 1995.
"A Brave and Startling Truth", 1995.
"From a Black Woman to a Black Man", 1995.
"Amazing Peace", 2005.
"Mother, a Cradle to Hold Me", 2006.
"Celebrations, Rituals of Peace and Prayer", 2006
Poetry for Young People, 2007."
"His Day is Done", 2013
Maya Angelou: The Complete Poetry (2015).
"Woman Work"
Cabaret for Freedom (musical revue), with Godfrey Cambridge, 1960
The Least of These, 1966
The Best of These (drama), 1966
Gettin' up Stayed on My Mind, 1967
Sophocles, Ajax (adaptation), 1974
And Still I Rise (writer/director), 1976
Moon on a Rainbow Shawl (director), 1978
Georgia, Georgia, 1972.
All Day Long, 1974.
Television
Writer, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1979.
Writer, Brewster Place, 1990-1991.
Writer, Angelou on Burns, 1996.
Source and additional information: Maya Angelou