Maya Angelou

NAME Maya Angelou

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Maya Angelou was a renowned American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her autobiographical works, particularly I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which remains a classic in American literature.

BIRTH April 4, 1928, St. Louis, Missouri

FAMILY BACKGROUND Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson. Her parents, Bailey Johnson and Vivian Baxter, divorced when she was very young. She and her older brother, Bailey Jr., were sent to live with their paternal grandmother, Annie Henderson, in Stamps, Arkansas.

CHILDHOOD Maya Angelou's childhood was marked by hardship and trauma. A sexual assault by her mother's boyfriend at age 7, caused her to stop speaking for several years. She also faced racial discrimination. Maya had a strong bond with her brother, Bailey

EDUCATION Angelou's formal education was sporadic due to personal challenges, but she developed a love for literature and arts. 

When Angelou was 14, she and her brother moved in once again with their mother, who had since moved to Oakland, California.  During World War II, Angelou attended the California Labor School and studied dance and drama.

CAREER RECORD Angelou had a diverse career, starting at the age of 16 when she became the first Black female streetcar conductor in San Francisco.

Her works encompass autobiography, plays, poetry, and teleplays. 

She also had an active directing, acting, and speaking career. 

Angelou is best known for her books, including her series of seven autobiographies, starting with the critically acclaimed I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969).

A Civil rights activist she worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X

In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

APPEARANCE Tall and statuesque, Maya Angelou had a commanding presence, often described as regal. She carried herself with grace and dignity.

Angelou in 1993

FASHION Angelou was known for her elegant and distinctive style, often adorned with colorful scarves and accessories. She embraced African-inspired clothing. Her fashion sense reflected her bold and confident personality. 

CHARACTER Maya Angelou was characterized by resilience, strength, and wisdom. She was deeply empathetic and insightful.

SENSE OF HUMOR Angelou had a keen sense of humor, often using wit and wisdom to convey profound messages. Her speeches and interviews showcased her engaging and captivating storytelling. She used humor to confront difficult topics

RELATIONSHIPS Angelou had several relationships throughout her life, including marriages to Josh Angelos ​(m. 1951; div. 1954)​ and Paul du Feu ​(m. 1974; div. 1983) and friendships with prominent figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.

Three weeks after completing school, at the age of 17, she gave birth to her only son, Clyde (who later changed his name to Guy Johnson).

MONEY AND FAME While she faced financial struggles early in life, Maya Angelou achieved both financial success and fame through her literary works, lectures, and various artistic endeavors.

Angelou used her platform to advocate for causes she believed in

FOOD AND DRINK Angelou appreciated good food and was an excellent cook. She wrote a cookbook, Hallelujah! The Welcome Table, which featured recipes and personal anecdotes.

She especially enjoyed Southern cuisine and soul food

MUSIC AND ARTS Angelou's love for the arts was evident in her involvement in music, dance, and drama. She collaborated with musicians and actors, contributing to the rich cultural landscape of her time. She Incorporated these elements into her performances and writing. 

Angelou's successful acting career included roles in numerous plays, films, and television programs, such as in the television mini-series Roots in 1977. Her screenplay Georgia, Georgia (1972) was the first original script by a black woman to be produced

Publicity photo for Calypso Heat Wave, 1957

Before she passed away, author Maya Angelou worked on Caged Bird Songs, an album that put her poetry and lyrics over hip-hop beats.

LITERATURE Maya Angelou's contributions to literature are monumental. Her autobiographical works, poetry, and essays explored themes of identity, race, and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on American literature.

She is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, starting with the critically acclaimed I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969). Angelou's autobiographies are distinct in style and narration, and "stretch over time and place", from Arkansas to Africa and back to the US. They take place from the beginnings of World War II to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Angelou wrote collections of essays, including Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now (1993) and Even the Stars Look Lonesome (1997), which writer Hilton Als called her "wisdom books" and "homilies strung together with autobiographical texts". 

NATURE Angelou often found solace in nature, and elements of the natural world frequently appeared in her writings.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Her interests included dancing, acting, and cooking. While she wasn't known for sports, she had a passion for the arts.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Maya Angelou's focus was more on the humanities, and she did not have a notable background in science and mathematics.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Angelou's works often delved into themes of spirituality, resilience, and the human experience. While not a theologian, she explored profound philosophical questions in her writings.

SCANDAL Maya Angelou did not have any major scandals associated with her personal or professional life.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Throughout her life, Angelou faced health challenges, but she remained active and engaged in her work until her later years.

HOMES Angelou lived in various places, including Stamps, Arkansas; San Francisco, California; and Winston-Salem, North Carolina

TRAVEL Extensive travels in Africa and Europe influenced her work

DEATH After experiencing health issues for a number of years, Maya Angelou died on May 28, 2014, at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina., at the age of 86.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Angelou was a sought-after interviewee and guest on television shows, sharing her insights and experiences. She also appeared in films and documentaries.

She read her poem "Still I Rise" at President Clinton's inauguration. 

ACHIEVEMENTS Maya Angelou's achievements include numerous awards for her contributions to literature, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her writings continue to be celebrated for their impact on literature and society, making her an iconic figure in American culture.