Explore the inspiring life of Maya Angelou, the legendary poet, author, and activist. Learn about her net worth, early life, famous works, awards, and enduring legacy in literature and civil rights.
Maya Angelou was a remarkable American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist whose powerful words continue to inspire generations. Best known for her autobiographical book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and the poem Still I Rise, she used her voice to advocate for racial and social justice. Angelou’s contributions to literature, activism, and the arts have left an indelible mark on history.
Maya Angelou Biography: Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Maya Angelou (born Marguerite Ann Johnson) |
| Profession | Poet, Memoirist, Civil Rights Activist |
| Nationality | American |
| Age at Death | 86 years (April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014) |
| Education | No formal college degree; studied at California Labor School |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million at the time of her death |
| Famous Books | I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, The Heart of a Woman, Mom & Me & Mom |
| Famous Poems | Still I Rise, Phenomenal Woman, On the Pulse of Morning |
| Major Awards | National Book Award Nomination, Grammy Awards, National Medal of Arts, Presidential Medal of Freedom |
| Activism | Worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X |
Important Facts
- Pioneering Autobiographer: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was one of the first autobiographies by a Black woman to achieve worldwide recognition.
- Civil Rights Activist: She worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X in the fight for racial equality.
- Award-Winning Poet: Angelou was the first Black woman to recite a poem (On the Pulse of Morning) at a U.S. presidential inauguration (Bill Clinton, 1993).
- Honored with a U.S. Quarter: In 2022, Maya Angelou became the first Black woman featured on a U.S. quarter.
- Legacy in Literature: Her works continue to be widely studied in schools and universities worldwide.
Early Life and Childhood
Maya Angelou was born as Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. After her parents’ divorce, she and her brother, Bailey Jr., were sent to live with their grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas. Her childhood was marked by both hardships and resilience, including a traumatic event at age eight that left her mute for nearly five years. During this time, she developed a deep love for literature, which later shaped her career as a writer and poet.
Education and Early Career
Although Angelou did not earn a formal college degree, she was an avid learner. She attended the California Labor School, where she was exposed to progressive political ideas. Her early career was diverse—she worked as a streetcar conductor, dancer, singer, and actress before establishing herself as a writer and activist.
Rise to Literary Fame
Maya Angelou’s breakthrough came in 1969 with the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the first in her series of autobiographies. This book detailed her early life experiences, including racism, trauma, and personal growth. The book was groundbreaking for its honest depiction of Black womanhood and became a bestseller, making Angelou a household name.
Famous Works and Achievements
Angelou’s literary contributions span poetry, essays, and autobiographies. Some of her most celebrated works include:
- Poems: Still I Rise, Phenomenal Woman, On the Pulse of Morning
- Books: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, The Heart of a Woman, Mom & Me & Mom
- Plays and Screenplays: She wrote and directed several plays and was nominated for a Tony Award for her acting.
Her influence extended beyond literature—she also made history as the first Black woman to have a screenplay (Georgia, Georgia, 1972) produced.
Later Life and Presidential Honors
Maya Angelou remained a powerful voice until her passing in 2014. She received numerous honors, including:
- Three Grammy Awards for her spoken-word albums.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2011), the highest civilian honor in the U.S., awarded by President Barack Obama.
- More than 50 honorary degrees from universities worldwide.
Her legacy was further cemented in 2022 when she became the first Black woman featured on the U.S. quarter as part of the American Women Quarters Program.
Death and Legacy
Maya Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014, at the age of 86. Even in death, her words continue to inspire millions. Schools, scholarships, and literary awards bear her name, and her work remains widely read and celebrated worldwide.
Conclusion
Maya Angelou’s life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and activism. From a troubled childhood to becoming one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century, her legacy lives on through her words, her activism, and the countless lives she touched.
FAQs About Maya Angelou
1. What was Maya Angelou’s net worth?
At the time of her death in 2014, her estimated net worth was around $10 million.
2. What is Maya Angelou best known for?
She is best known for her memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and the poem Still I Rise.
3. What awards did Maya Angelou receive?
She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, three Grammy Awards, and over 50 honorary degrees.
4. When did Maya Angelou pass away?
She died on May 28, 2014, at the age of 86.
5. Why is Maya Angelou on a U.S. quarter?
In 2022, she became the first Black woman honored on a U.S. quarter as part of the American Women Quarters Program.
6. What was Maya Angelou’s famous quote?
One of her most famous quotes is: “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.”
7. What was her impact on civil rights?
She worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, using her platform to fight for racial equality and justice.
8. What is Still I Rise about?
Still I Rise is a powerful poem about overcoming adversity, resilience, and Black empowerment.
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