Maya Angelou: A Literary Icon’s Life and Legacy

The Life and Work of Maya Angelou

Born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Maya Angelou was a writer, poet, and civil rights activist. She gained global recognition with her groundbreaking 1969 autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which detailed her early life and struggles. The book became a literary milestone, making Angelou one of the most influential voices in American literature.

In addition to her writing, Angelou was deeply involved in the civil rights movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She was also a talented performer, singer, and dancer, with a career spanning multiple artistic disciplines.

Throughout her lifetime, Angelou published several poetry collections, essays, and autobiographies, solidifying her legacy as a literary and cultural icon. Her poem On the Pulse of Morning, recited at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993, was a historic moment, showcasing her profound impact on American society.

At the time of her passing, Maya Angelou had an estimated net worth of $10 million, a testament to her literary success and cultural influence.

Maya Angelou’s Passing

Maya Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014, at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She was 86 years old.

Angelou had been experiencing health issues leading up to her death, including heart problems. Despite this, she continued to write and inspire, remaining active in public life until her final days.

Her funeral was a private affair, attended by close family and friends. She was laid to rest at the R.L. Sherrill Cemetery in North Carolina.

Maya Angelou’s legacy lives on through her words, her activism, and the countless lives she touched.

Quotes

"

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

"

“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.” (Maya Angelou)

"

“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” (Maya Angelou)

"

“The thing to do, it seems to me, is to prepare yourself so you can be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud. Somebody who may not look like you. May not call God the same name you call God – if they call God at all. I may not dance your dances or speak your language. But be a blessing to somebody. That’s what I think.” (Maya Angelou)

"

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” (Maya Angelou)