Maya Angelou
04:16pm Wednesday, Sep 02, 2009 | 0 comments | 0/5 rating | Share

Making peace with writing and racism:  

Author, songwriter, poet, playwright and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928 - present) is a pioneer who paved the way for marginalized African American women writers and artists. Best known for her autobiographical books, Angelou's writings demonstrate her commitment to raising race consciousness in her themes of racial injustice and peaceful resistance.

With the 1969 publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, author Maya Angelou received critical acclaim for her ability to publicly discuss the difficulties of her personal life with unapologetic honesty. One of the few black women to use herself as a central character in her writing, Angelou earned international recognition and became respected as a spokesperson for both blacks and women.

Tossed back and forth as a child between her mother, father, and grandmother, Angelou gives voice to the struggles of poor, black families in the South during the two world wars. Through her story, Angelou explores what it means to be a black woman in an oppressively white and masculine society. Angelou illustrates the realities of black women's oppression in white patriarchy, whites hatred of blacks, and blacks' lack of power. In her autobiographies, the reader moves with Angelou in her response to racism from helpless anger and bitter indignation to finally outspoken and active engagement.

In addition to her literary contributions, Angelou is an activist. After hearing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak in 1960, she joined the civil rights movement and became the northern coordinator of King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Angelou also worked closely with Malcolm X to build a new civil rights movement. Her writing and activism highlight her commitment to racial equality and mutual respect.

"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends."

Learn more:

Maya Angelou's website