Uncovering Maya Angelou’s Fascinating Hobbies and Interests
Maya Angelou is known worldwide as one of the most profound writers of our time. Her memoir “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” has been praised as a masterpiece of modern literature. However, there is much more to her fascinating life than just writing. In this article, we delve into some of her hobbies and interests that contributed to her unique personality.
Dancing
Maya Angelou had a deep passion for dance, which started at a very young age. She was a professional dancer in her early years and even toured with the famous dance company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Later in her life, she continued to dance as a form of therapy and used it to heal from personal struggles. Her passion for the art form was so strong that she even went on to direct a dance company in California.
Cooking
Another fascinating hobby of Maya Angelou was cooking. She enjoyed making traditional African-American dishes and believed that food was a way to bring people together. According to her, food was more than sustenance; it was a way to nourish the soul. This made her very popular among friends and family, who often sought her culinary expertise.
Activism
Maya Angelou was a prominent civil rights activist and used her words to fight for equality. Her social activism started when she met Martin Luther King Jr. and went on to work for him as the Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. She also worked with Malcolm X and was an active participant in the Black power movement. Her activism was a reflection of her strong sense of justice, which was honed by her life experiences.
Traveling
Maya Angelou was a prolific traveler and claimed that it was one of her greatest sources of inspiration. She traveled all over the world and even lived in several different countries. These experiences gave her a unique perspective on life, which she used to enrich her writing. Her travels were an extension of her curiosity and willingness to experience different cultures.
Conclusion
Maya Angelou’s hobbies and interests were a reflection of her multifaceted personality. Her love for dance, cooking, activism, and traveling were all sources of inspiration for her writing. These hobbies also reflect her larger-than-life personality, which was defined by curiosity, passion, and a deep sense of justice. Maya Angelou’s legacy goes beyond just her writing; she was a true renaissance woman, who was committed to living her life to the fullest.
