The legendary Maya Angelou has passed away at age 86.
Maya Angelou, the legendary author, civil rights activist and poet passed away on Wednesday, May 28. The beloved legend will be remembered for her many accomplishments, including being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011; an honorary Literarian National Book Foundation Award in 2013; and the U.S. National Medal of Arts.
Renowned for her poetry and literature, Angelou published seven autobiographies in which she wrote of her childhood experiences leading to her fame, several books of poetry and three books of essays. Her works are famous for giving voice and inspiration to the African-American community, centring on themes of racism and identity.
Angelou's books remain bestsellers/ amazon
Angelou faced many trials and tribulations, including being a victim of sexual abuse and rape at the age of seven by her mother’s boyfriend. After testifying against him, her attacker was beaten to death. She remained mute for five years following, stating that, “I thought, my voice killed him; I killed that man, because I told his name. And then, I thought I would never speak again, because my voice would kill anyone….”
Angelou was the first African-American female streetcar conductor in San Francisco before she found herself as a single mother at the age of 17 with her son, Guy Johnson. Poverty-stricken, she worked as a nightclub dancer and singer under the name of Rita, before her managers suggested that she change her professional name from Rita to Maya Angelou.
She found a new path with writing and reporting, and persevered with journalism in Ghana and Egypt during decolonization. Angelou was also a successful director, actor, dancer, singer and producer of movies, television programs and plays.
Angelou contributed greatly to the civil rights movement, working with both Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr., and leading anti-apartheid and pro-Castro activism. Her rising recognition gave her the opportunity to be the first female poet to make a recitation at a presidential inauguration. At President Bill Clinton’s 1993 inauguration she presented her poem On the Pulse of Morning. It went on to receive a Grammy award.
President Barack Obama awards Dr. Maya Angelou the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, on February 15, 2011, in Washington, D.C. (AP photo via NPR)
Clinton spoke of her death, saying, “With Maya Angelou’s passing, America has lost a national treasure, and Hillary and I, a beloved friend. The poems and stories she wrote and read to us in her commanding voice were gifts of wisdom and wit, courage and grace.”
Angelou had a close relationship with Oprah Winfrey, who said.. "What stands out to me most about Maya Angelou is not what she has done or written or spoken, it’s how she lived her life. She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace."
Oprah continued, "I loved her and I know she loved me. I will profoundly miss her. She will always be the rainbow in my clouds.”
Her rich voice became the conscience of millions worldwide, helping them to find the inner strength and inspiration to overcome hardship. Angelou will always be remembered as a “phenomenal woman”, her legacy living on in her art, having lived her life with passion, courage, and most of all, love.
Featured Image: westerngazette
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