Maya Angelou Timeline
Maya Angelou by People
Maya Angelou was an influential American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, best known for her series of seven autobiographies, especially "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," which brought her international recognition. Born in 1928, she had a challenging childhood, but her talent for words helped her overcome adversity. Angelou used her voice and writings to fight for racial equality and women's rights, making a significant impact on American literature and society. Her powerful work continues to inspire millions around the world, reminding us of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
April 4, 1928
Birth of a Future Icon in St. Louis, Missouri
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, this future icon grew up to be a renowned poet and civil rights activist. Her early life was marked by hardship and struggle, but she used these experiences to fuel her powerful words and actions. Her influence continues to inspire people around the world.
Year 1935
Relocation to Stamps, Arkansas with Grandmother
After a family crisis, the future poet moved to a small town in Arkansas. Here, she lived with her grandmother who ran a general store. This period was a significant influence on her later work, as she experienced racial discrimination and learned about the deep-seated racial divisions in the American South.
Year 1940
Return to Mother in San Francisco, California
After a difficult childhood, the future poet and activist moved back to San Francisco to live with her mother. This period was a turning point, as she began to develop her unique voice and perspective. Her experiences in San Francisco would later influence her powerful writings and activism.
Year 1951
Marriage to Tosh Angelos, a Greek Electrician
Tosh Angelos was not just an electrician, but also a sailor, and his marriage to the famous poet was quite controversial due to racial prejudices of the time. Despite the societal pressures, their union lasted a few years, showing their defiance against the norms. However, they eventually divorced, marking a significant chapter in the poet's life.
Year 1954
Tour Across Europe with Opera Production Porgy and Bess
This tour was a significant moment in the Civil Rights era, as it showcased African-American talent to a global audience. The opera, Porgy and Bess, was a story of love and struggle in a black community. Angelou's role in the production helped to break racial barriers in the arts.
Year 1957
Release of her First Album, 'Miss Calypso'
'Miss Calypso' was a unique blend of calypso music and blues, showcasing Angelou's talent as a singer and performer. The album was a reflection of the popular calypso trend during the 1950s. Despite its success, Angelou later shifted her focus to writing and activism, leaving a lasting impact on American culture.
Year 1960
Active Participation in the Civil Rights Movement
This renowned poet played a significant role in the fight for equality, working closely with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Her efforts included organizing and participating in protests, using her voice to speak out against racial injustice. Her experiences during this time greatly influenced her writings, which continue to inspire people today.
Year 1961
Journalism Work in Egypt and Ghana
During this time, she worked as an editor for The Arab Observer in Cairo, Egypt, which was the only English-language news weekly in the Middle East. Later, she moved to Ghana and joined the Ghanaian Times as a feature editor. These experiences greatly influenced her work and perspective on civil rights.
Year 1969
Publication of her Autobiography, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'
This book tells the story of her life up to the age of 17 and how she overcame racism and trauma. It's considered a modern American classic, shedding light on topics like identity, racism, and literacy. Despite its controversial topics, it's widely read in schools and universities.
Year 1972
First African American Woman to have an Original Screenplay Produced, 'Georgia, Georgia'
In the early 1970s, a groundbreaking event occurred in the film industry. The movie 'Georgia, Georgia' was the first time an original screenplay written by an African American woman was produced. This achievement was a significant step forward in promoting diversity and representation in Hollywood.
Year 1981
Became a Professor at Wake Forest University
This was a significant moment as it marked a shift in Angelou's career from being primarily a writer and activist to an academic. At Wake Forest University, she taught a variety of subjects, including philosophy, ethics, theology, science, theater, and writing. Her teachings inspired many students and she was admired for her wisdom and courage.
January 20, 1993
Recitation of her Poem 'On the Pulse of Morning' at President Clinton's Inauguration
This was a significant moment as Angelou was the first African American woman to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration. Her poem, 'On the Pulse of Morning', called for unity and understanding among all Americans. This event highlighted the importance of literature and poetry in expressing social and political ideas.
Year 2000
Awarded the National Medal of Arts
This award is a high honor given by the U.S. government to those who've made significant contributions to the arts. Angelou was recognized for her powerful poetry and prose, which often addressed themes of race, identity, and the African American experience. Her work, including her famous autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," had a profound impact on American literature and culture.
Year 2010
Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama
This prestigious award is the highest civilian honor in the U.S., given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation's interests, security, or culture. Angelou was recognized for her impactful works in literature and her tireless fight for civil rights. President Obama, who presented the award, admired her as a role model who used her voice and pen to inspire others.
May 28, 2014
Passing of a Literary and Civil Rights Legend in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
This remarkable woman, known for her powerful words and activism, left us in her home in North Carolina. Her passing marked the end of an era, as she had been a strong voice in the fight for equality. Her legacy lives on in her many written works and the impact she made on civil rights.
Maya Angelou was an influential American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, best known for her series of seven autobiographies, especially "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," which brought her international recognition. Born in 1928, she had a challenging childhood, but her talent for words helped her overcome adversity. Angelou used her voice and writings to fight for racial equality and women's rights, making a significant impact on American literature and society. Her powerful work continues to inspire millions around the world, reminding us of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, this future icon grew up to be a renowned poet and civil rights activist. Her early life was marked by hardship and struggle, but she used these experiences to fuel her powerful words and actions. Her influence continues to inspire people around the world.
After a family crisis, the future poet moved to a small town in Arkansas. Here, she lived with her grandmother who ran a general store. This period was a significant influence on her later work, as she experienced racial discrimination and learned about the deep-seated racial divisions in the American South.
After a difficult childhood, the future poet and activist moved back to San Francisco to live with her mother. This period was a turning point, as she began to develop her unique voice and perspective. Her experiences in San Francisco would later influence her powerful writings and activism.
Tosh Angelos was not just an electrician, but also a sailor, and his marriage to the famous poet was quite controversial due to racial prejudices of the time. Despite the societal pressures, their union lasted a few years, showing their defiance against the norms. However, they eventually divorced, marking a significant chapter in the poet's life.
This tour was a significant moment in the Civil Rights era, as it showcased African-American talent to a global audience. The opera, Porgy and Bess, was a story of love and struggle in a black community. Angelou's role in the production helped to break racial barriers in the arts.
'Miss Calypso' was a unique blend of calypso music and blues, showcasing Angelou's talent as a singer and performer. The album was a reflection of the popular calypso trend during the 1950s. Despite its success, Angelou later shifted her focus to writing and activism, leaving a lasting impact on American culture.
This renowned poet played a significant role in the fight for equality, working closely with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Her efforts included organizing and participating in protests, using her voice to speak out against racial injustice. Her experiences during this time greatly influenced her writings, which continue to inspire people today.
During this time, she worked as an editor for The Arab Observer in Cairo, Egypt, which was the only English-language news weekly in the Middle East. Later, she moved to Ghana and joined the Ghanaian Times as a feature editor. These experiences greatly influenced her work and perspective on civil rights.
This book tells the story of her life up to the age of 17 and how she overcame racism and trauma. It's considered a modern American classic, shedding light on topics like identity, racism, and literacy. Despite its controversial topics, it's widely read in schools and universities.
In the early 1970s, a groundbreaking event occurred in the film industry. The movie 'Georgia, Georgia' was the first time an original screenplay written by an African American woman was produced. This achievement was a significant step forward in promoting diversity and representation in Hollywood.
This was a significant moment as it marked a shift in Angelou's career from being primarily a writer and activist to an academic. At Wake Forest University, she taught a variety of subjects, including philosophy, ethics, theology, science, theater, and writing. Her teachings inspired many students and she was admired for her wisdom and courage.
This was a significant moment as Angelou was the first African American woman to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration. Her poem, 'On the Pulse of Morning', called for unity and understanding among all Americans. This event highlighted the importance of literature and poetry in expressing social and political ideas.
This award is a high honor given by the U.S. government to those who've made significant contributions to the arts. Angelou was recognized for her powerful poetry and prose, which often addressed themes of race, identity, and the African American experience. Her work, including her famous autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," had a profound impact on American literature and culture.
This prestigious award is the highest civilian honor in the U.S., given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation's interests, security, or culture. Angelou was recognized for her impactful works in literature and her tireless fight for civil rights. President Obama, who presented the award, admired her as a role model who used her voice and pen to inspire others.
This remarkable woman, known for her powerful words and activism, left us in her home in North Carolina. Her passing marked the end of an era, as she had been a strong voice in the fight for equality. Her legacy lives on in her many written works and the impact she made on civil rights.