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Celebrating Black History Month - Maya Angelou

Writer's picture: Marabelle BlueMarabelle Blue

Photo by Chester Higgins Jr. 1969
Photo by Chester Higgins Jr. 1969

Maya Angelou (1928–2014) was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist known for her powerful autobiographical works and inspirational poetry. She gained international fame with her 1969 memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which was one of the first autobiographies by a Black woman to achieve mainstream success. The book details her early life, struggles, and resilience in the face of racism and trauma.


Key Aspects of Her Life and Legacy:

  • Literary Achievements: Angelou wrote seven autobiographies, multiple poetry collections, and essays, often exploring themes of identity, racism, resilience, and empowerment.

  • Poetry: Some of her most famous poems include Still I Rise, Phenomenal Woman, and On the Pulse of Morning (which she recited at President Bill Clinton’s 1993 inauguration).

  • Civil Rights Work: She worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, advocating for racial and social justice.

  • Firsts and Achievements: She was the first Black woman to write a screenplay (Georgia, Georgia, 1972), and she received over 50 honorary degrees for her contributions to literature and activism.

  • Influence: Her work continues to inspire people worldwide, especially in discussions about race, feminism, and personal strength.


Maya Angelou’s Best Works & Quotes


📚 Must-Read Books by Maya Angelou

  1. 📖 I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) – Her most famous autobiography, detailing her early life, struggles, and triumphs.

  2. 📖 The Heart of a Woman (1981) – Covers her life in the civil rights movement and her experiences as a mother and activist.

  3. 📖 Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women (1995) – A collection of her most famous poetry about strength and confidence.

  4. 📖 And Still I Rise (1978) – A powerful poetry collection filled with themes of resilience and empowerment.

  5. 📖 Letter to My Daughter (2008) – A collection of essays offering wisdom and life lessons to young women.


✨ Most Famous Quotes


🔹 “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

🔹 “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

🔹 “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”

🔹 “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

🔹 “I am grateful to have been loved and to be loved now and to be able to love, because love liberates.”

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