Maya Angelou Quotes - 16 quotes

Maya Angelou was a celebrated American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, starting with “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” (1969), which brought her international acclaim. She was born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. Angelou’s early life was marked by trauma and hardship, including a period of muteness after being sexually assaulted. Despite these challenges, she found her voice through literature and the arts. She worked in various roles, including as a dancer, actress, and journalist, before focusing on writing. Her literary works often explore themes of identity, family, and racism. In addition to her autobiographies, Angelou published several volumes of poetry, including “And Still I Rise” (1978) and “Phenomenal Woman” (1995). She also made significant contributions to the civil rights movement, working with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Angelou received numerous awards and honors throughout her life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. She passed away on May 28, 2014, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, leaving behind a powerful legacy of resilience and inspiration.