5 Inspiring Facts About Maya Angelou You Never Knew
Maya Angelou was one of the most inspiring women of our time. Her life and work continue to inspire generations to come. Here are five inspiring facts about Maya Angelou you never knew:
1. Maya Angelou was a Civil Rights Activist
Maya Angelou was not only a poet, but she was also a civil rights activist. She worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X during the civil rights movement. She was one of the first African American women who was able to work as a journalist in Egypt and Ghana. She also served as the Northern Coordinator for Dr. King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
2. Maya Angelou Wrote a Poem for President Clinton’s Inauguration
Maya Angelou was a friend of former President Bill Clinton. She wrote a poem called “On the Pulse of Morning” for his 1993 inauguration. She was the second poet to ever do so, after Robert Frost in 1961. The poem was very well received, and it later won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album.
3. Maya Angelou Spoke Six Languages
Maya Angelou was a highly educated woman who spoke six languages fluently. She learned French, Italian, Arabic, Spanish, Fanti, and English throughout her lifetime. She was also an accomplished painter and dancer.
4. Maya Angelou was the First Black Woman Director in Hollywood
Maya Angelou directed the 1998 film “Down in the Delta.” She was the first African American woman to direct a major motion picture. The film was critically acclaimed and featured actors such as Alfre Woodard and Wesley Snipes.
5. Maya Angelou was Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize
Maya Angelou was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1972 for her book of poetry, “Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie.” Although she did not win the prize, the nomination helped to boost her career and bring attention to her work.
In conclusion, Maya Angelou’s life was as inspiring as her work. She used her voice to advocate for civil rights, celebrate African American culture, and inspire women all over the world. Her legacy will live on through her words and the lives she touched.
