Maya Angelou: a force to be reckoned with
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you do, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou was born on April 4th, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. She had a rough childhood as she lived in a segregated town where racism was omnipresent. Moreover, Angelou was the victim of sexual abuse, which led her to not speak for five years. Her childhood lacked the stability and safety that she desperately needed. However, this did not stop her from achieving great things in her later years.
She notably pursued a scholarship to study dance and drama at San Francisco’s Labor School. In addition to gaining artistic skills, she gained many progressive political views, which sparked her interest in activism. She maintained a close friendship with Malcolm X in her political life, where she hoped to help with the Organization of African American Unity. From a literary standpoint, Angelou began exploring her talents through the Harlem Writers Guild, which gave a platform for African-American writers. Some of her works include her immensely accredited autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and her inspiring poem “Still I Rise.” Many of her writings explore the theme of oppression in many forms: racial, gender, and socio-economic. An undeniable aspect illustrated throughout most of her works is her resilience and determination.
Her inner strength and courage have inspired many on a global scale. Furthermore, her charisma and talent have charmed the hearts of many. She has been a voice for many who were faced with the same hardships. Today, she is remembered as an exceptional and multidimensional woman who undeniably impacted the world.
By Claudia Bruscia