Maya Angelou - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | April 04, 1928 |
|---|---|
| Died | May 28, 2014 (age 86) |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Chinese Zodiac | Dragon |
| Generation | Silent Generation |
| Known For | Author of 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'; influential role in the American civil rights movement; pioneering literary achievements. |
Intro
Maya Angelou was an acclaimed American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, best known for her groundbreaking autobiography 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.' Her work highlighted themes of identity, family, and racism, earning her international recognition as a literary and cultural icon.
Early Life & Background
Born Marguerite Annie Johnson in 1928, Maya Angelou experienced a tumultuous childhood marked by parental separation, periods of living with her grandmother in Arkansas, and trauma that led to several years of selective mutism. Despite these hardships, she developed a love for literature that would shape her career.
Career Highlights
- Publication of her acclaimed autobiography, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' (1969), which brought her international fame.
- Published seven autobiographies and numerous poetry collections, including 'And Still I Rise.'
- Recited her poem 'On the Pulse of Morning' at President Bill Clinton's 1993 inauguration.
- Recipient of over 50 honorary degrees and numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
- Worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X during the civil rights movement.
Trivia
- Maya Angelou was the first Black woman to write a screenplay that was filmed, 'Georgia, Georgia' (1972).
- In addition to writing, she worked as a singer, dancer, actress, and was fluent in several languages.
- She was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2000.
FAQs
People also ask
When was Maya Angelou born?
Maya Angelou was born the 4 April 1928.
Where is Maya Angelou from?
St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
On Her Birth-Day
About April 4th, 1928, in brief:
- Historical events: Maya Angelou, a renowned African American poet, author, playwright, civil rights activist, and multifaceted artist, was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri. Her extraordinary life journey would encompass numerous roles including writer, performer, and influential voice for social justice and racial equality. Angelou would go on to become one of the most celebrated and respected literary figures of the 20th century, known for her powerful autobiographical works like 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' and her impactful poetry that explored themes of resilience, identity, and the African American experience.
- Day of the week: April 4th, 1928 was a Wednesday
- Zodiac Sign: Aries (in western zodiac), Dragon (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: Waxing gibbous
- Popular movie: Speedy directed by Ted Wilde
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