The biography of Maya Angelou is full of descriptions of frenzied activity for the benefit of mankind. Angelo distinguished herself as a poet, historian, songwriter, playwright, teacher, dancer, producer of films and performances, director, actress, singer and activist of the human rights movement.
Born: April 4, 1928
St. Louis, Missouri
African American author, poet, and playwright
Who is Maya Angelou?
Maya Angelou was primarily a very versatile and talented person. This woman of African American origin wrote and published seven autobiographies that were very popular and highly-evaluated in the US. However, she is well-known not only for being an author but also for being an actress, poet, dancer, and screenwriter.
And of course we must not forget activism in the field of civil rights conducted by Maya. Being of African American origin and having a very difficult background full of discrimination and racial prejudice, Maya Angelou was then acting to protect and defend rights of other. All the set of activities she carried out just proves how important she was in terms of development of the America society.
Where was Maya Angelou born?
Maya Angelou was born in St. Louis, state Missouri, USA. The child years were very difficult for her and she experienced many hardships. In her early childhood, she witnessed the divorce of her parents. Then she and her brother were sent to live with their grandmother. However, later her dad arrived to get her and the brother back to their mother. Living with her mother, Maya Angelou became a victim of the rape by the man of her mother at the age of seven. Later, the rapist was killed, supposedly by the uncles of Maya. The name Maya derives from the nickname that her brother gave her, which is Mya or My sister.
Where did Maya Angelou live?
Maya Angelou was born in St. Louis, state Missouri, USA. However, throughout her life, this brave woman lived in many places. At three years, she together with her brother was sent to live to their grandma to Stamps, Arkansas. She had been living there for three years only but then was returned to St. Louis by her father. She had been living there for several years, but then again moved back to her grandmother. However, at the age of fourteen Maya and her brother united with their mother again, this time in Oakland, California. There was also a period of life when Maya Angelou lived in Accra, Ghana. There she was staying with her loved one and working at the university. She returned back to the U.S. to North Caroline and lived there until her death.
How old is Maya Angelou?
She was born on 4 April 1928. Despite living through various hardships and problems, she managed to stay quite a healthy person. She was living full and interesting life and was able to form as one of the most important persons among the black people of USA. Maya Angelou died on 28 May 2014. At the time of her death, she was 86 years old.
Was Maya Angelou married?
Yes, Maya Angelou was married only two times. First time, being relatively young in 1951, Maya was a wife Tosh Angelos. Their alliance didn’t last for too long as they divorced in 1954. Maya was married for the next time in 1973. That year she became a wife of Paul du Feu. She was staying his wife for longer time, until 1981. However, she divorced with him too. Apart from two husbands, Maya had long-term relationships with other men without getting married.
Maya Angelou facts
There are many facts about this famous woman. Most people who are interested in her accept that the most important fact about her is her most significant published book, which is “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. Other important facts about Maya are her birth and death dates, her ethnicity (African American), her language (English), and her occupation (author, director, civil rights activist, etc.).
What is Maya Angelou famous for?
Being person of great talent, Maya Angelou is renowned for plenty of activities. However, most people will remember her as the first black woman who became a renowned author USA. But it is not correct to pay attention to only her writing accomplishments. Apart from writing, Maya also succeeded as a civil rights activist, film producer, dancer, actress, professor, and in other fields.
Books by Maya Angelou
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Mom & Me & Mom
Letter to My Daughter
The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou
Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now
What did Maya Angelou accomplish?
Most important accomplishment of Maya Angelou is writing of the book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. The book turned out to be the first nonfiction bestseller written by a woman of African American origin. Thanks to this book she became famous even outside the United States. When it comes to accolades, Maya Angelou received Audience Choice Award at the Chicago International Film Festival in 1998 and two NAACP Image Awards for her nonfiction works.
Poems by Maya Angelou
- Still I Rise
- Phenomenal Woman
- I know why the caged bird sings
- Touched by An Angel
- Men
- Alone
- A Conceit
- Woman Work
- The Lesson
- Remembrance
When did Maya Angelou die?
Maya Angelou had lived bright and full of interesting events life. She died on 28 May 2014 in Winston-Salem, which is North Carolina, USA. At the day of her death, Maya was 86.
Maya Angelou death: 28 May 2014 in Winston-Salem
