Maya Angelou is a name that needs no introduction in the literary world. Her contributions to literature, poetry, and civil rights activism have left a lasting impact on society. However, there are many little-known facts about this phenomenal woman that are worth exploring. In this article, we will dive deep into ten fascinating facts you didn’t know about Maya Angelou.
1. Her real name wasn’t Maya Angelou.
Born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou adopted her stage name, Maya Angelou, when she became a nightclub performer in San Francisco.
2. She was a multi-talented artist.
Angelou was not just a writer; she was also a singer, dancer, and actress. She even appeared in several films, including “Poetic Justice” and “Madea’s Family Reunion.”
3. Her memoir was a best-seller.
Angelou’s memoir, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” published in 1969, became a best-seller, making her the first African American woman to write an autobiographical best-seller. The book explored her early years and the struggles she faced as a young girl in the segregated South.
4. She was the inaugural poet for Bill Clinton.
In 1993, Angelou became the first African American and the second woman (after Robert Frost) to read a poem at a U.S. presidential inauguration. She read “On the Pulse of Morning” at Bill Clinton’s inauguration.
5. She won numerous awards.
Angelou was a recipient of many awards, including three Grammys for her spoken-word albums, a Tony Award nomination for her role in “Look Away,” and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010.
6. She was a civil rights activist.
Angelou was an active participant in the civil rights movement alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She also worked with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
7. She was a teacher.
Angelou taught at Wake Forest University in North Carolina and was a visiting professor at several universities, including Harvard and Ohio State.
8. She spoke six languages.
Angelou was fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, and Fanti (an African dialect), in addition to English.
9. She was a survivor of sexual abuse.
In her memoir, Angelou revealed that she was raped at the age of seven by her mother’s boyfriend and that the man was beaten to death after being released from jail.
10. She died in 2014.
Maya Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014, at the age of 86. Her legacy lives on in her literature, poetry, and activism.
In conclusion, Maya Angelou’s life and work have been an inspiration to many. From her humble beginnings in St. Louis to her rise as a renowned artist and activist, Angelou’s story is one of resilience and perseverance. She will always be remembered as a trailblazer and a true icon.
