Maya Angelou was an American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. Angelou also wrote several collections of poetry and essays, as well as screenplays and stage plays. She was a prominent voice in American literature and culture, and her works continue to be celebrated for their honesty, insight, and inspiration.
Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Her parents divorced when she was young, and she and her brother were sent to live with their grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas.
Angelou was sexually assaulted by her mother's boyfriend when she was eight years old. After she told her family, the man was found dead, and Angelou believed her voice had caused his death. She stopped speaking for several years.
Angelou moved to San Francisco to attend high school, where she became involved with the Bay Area's African American cultural and artistic community.
She later moved to New York City, where she worked as a nightclub singer and dancer, and became involved with the Civil Rights Movement.
She published her first autobiography, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings', in 1969. The book received critical acclaim and became a bestseller, launching Angelou's career as a writer and public speaker.
Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010, and died on May 28, 2014, at the age of 86.
Angelou's first autobiography, which tells the story of her childhood and early adult experiences, including her sexual assault and recovery from trauma. The book is often taught in schools and is considered a classic of American literature.
A collection of poems by Angelou that explores themes of resilience, strength, and hope. The title poem is one of her most famous works.
A collection of four poems that celebrate the strength, beauty, and power of women. The title poem is one of Angelou's most famous works and has become an anthem for women's empowerment.
Maya Angelou was an American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences.
Angelou's most famous book is 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings', her first autobiography. The book tells the story of her childhood and early adult experiences, including her sexual assault and recovery from trauma. It is often taught in schools and is considered a classic of American literature.
Maya Angelou was a prominent voice in American literature and culture. She published several collections of poetry and essays, as well as screenplays and stage plays. She was also a civil rights activist and worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Maya Angelou's writing often explored themes of identity, family, trauma, and resilience. She also celebrated the strength, beauty, and power of women in her poetry and essays. Her works are known for their honesty, insight, and inspiration.
Maya Angelou was a pioneering voice in American literature, who paved the way for future generations of writers. Her works explored the experiences of African Americans, women, and survivors of trauma, and her honesty and insight continue to resonate with readers today.