Angelou, Maya (1928- ), American author, poet, and entertainer, best known for her strong portrayals of African-American women. Born Marguerite Johnson in Saint Louis, Missouri, Angelou spent most of her childhood living with her grandmother in rural Arkansas. She moved to her mother's home in San Francisco after graduating with honors from Lafayette County Training School in 1940. At the age of 16 she graduated from high school, gave birth to her son Guy, and began a series of jobs, including cooking and waitressing. In the 1950s she became a nightclub performer and began successful careers as a singer, dancer, actor, playwright, magazine editor, civil rights activist, poet, and novelist.

Much of Angelou's writing stresses the themes of courage, perseverance, self-acceptance, and self-actualization. She frequently presents strong female role models. Her most prominent work is her series of autobiographical books that starts with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1970), in which she describes African-American life in witty, intelligent language rich in rhythm and texture. The series continues with Gather Together in My Name (1974), Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas (1976), The Heart of a Woman (1981), and All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986). Angelou's books of poetry include Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie (1971), Oh Pray My Wings Are Gonna Fit Me Well (1975), And Still I Rise (1978), Shaker, Why Don't You Sing? (1983), Now Sheba Sings the Song (1987), and I Shall Not Be Moved (1990). Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now, a book of inspirational meditations on life, was published in 1993. The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou appeared in 1994. Angelou has received many awards and honorary degrees. She read her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993.

More Biographies...

Search what you need