Was Maya Angelou A Poet Laureate - Poetry & Poets (2024)

Maya Angelou served as an American poet, writer, and civil rights activist. She is often viewed as one of the most remarkable and influential poets of our lifetime. Her autobiographical works, as well as her series of poetry and books, have inspired many and created a legacy of poetry and literature that delves into the complexities of life, justice, humanity, and courage. In her lifetime, she was appointed Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, a role that is now known as US Poet Laureate, a position of honor that is given to a distinguished poet who serves as an official consultant in poetry to the U.S. government.

Angelou was born in St. Louis, Missouri and grew up primarily in Stamps, Arkansas. She showed a love for reading and writing from a young age and penned her first poem, “A Good Girl,” at the age of eight. She later went on to study dance and drama, and performed in the opera Porgy and Bess and the original production of The Blacks.

In 1986, Angelou became the second poet in the United States to be declared Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. This series of honor is awarded to distinguished poets who, through their writing, show a strong in-depth understanding of the human condition, its literature and its complexities. It is an honor that is bestowed to few poets, and Angelou’s appointment made her one of the few African American women to ever be appointed to the post.

Angelou wrote several acclaimed books and collections of poetry, including her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Diiie, and the Pulitzer Prize-nominated An Fight for Love & Freedom: The Life & Work of Maya Angelou. Her work often explored the themes of racism, identity, and social injustice, which have all been socially relevant for several generations of readers.

As Poet Laureate to the Library of Congress, Angelou was expected to serve a term of three years but ended up serving for a full four-year term, making her the longest-serving Poet Laureate in U.S. history. While in the position, she created several large scale projects, with the aim of highlighting the accomplishments of women, people of African descent, civil rights and the LGBTQ+ communities. Through her work with the Library of Congress, she continued her mission to increase public awareness of the many contributions made by individuals of color and to foster a better understanding of the diversity and commonality of the human experience.

Angelou was also the recipient of a National Book Award, National Medal of the Arts, National Endowment of the Arts, and a Pulitzer Prize nomination. She was also named an honorary member of the NAACP, and a recipient of a Coretta Scott King Award. In 1993, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton, the highest civilian honor awarded to individuals in the United States.

The Work of Maya Angelou

Angelou’s work focused extensively on the discrimination, vulnerabilities and resilience of the African American community. Across her written collections and spoken words, she often highlighted the importance of identity, the power of words, and the power of speaking one’s truth. In her works of autobiography, she often discussed the African American experience in relation to the fragmented reality of seeking out love amidst oppressive racism. Her autobiography Where the Heart Is serves as an example of her ability to express her personal integration of the African American experience, especially when coupled with her ability to write about the African American folk wisdom and customs that most of us will never hear about.

Angelou was a masterful storyteller, bringing her personal narratives, her observations, and her sense of spiritual wisdom to life. In her collection of poems, And Still I Rise, Angelou speaks about living with dignity, even in times of oppression, often turning adversity into strength and resilience. In her poem “Still Rising”, which is one of her most celebrated works, she speaks to the power of rising higher no matter the odds. In doing so, she celebrates the beauty of overcoming the walls built out of oppression, and finds freedom in those moments of resilience.

In her later works, including letters written and volumes of poetry, such as A Brave and Startling Truth, Angelou’s writing continued to evoke a wide range of feelings and emotions, often exploring topics such as peace, justice, strength, and tolerance. Her statements, as well as her depicted emotions, are never exaggerated nor lacking depth and depth. By presenting a vivid, accessible and compassionate articulation of the human experience, Angelou manages to render objects of spectacle, such as oppression, real and tangible.

Angelou’s advocacy for the civil rights movement, the advancement of racial equality, and women’s rights was evident throughout her life and her works. Through her efforts, she has stood up for the downtrodden and stood for peace, justice, and understanding. The Maya Angelou Freedom Road project, for example, honors and celebrates the civil rights movement and its heroes and serves as a reminder of how far we have come and how far we still have to go.

Legacy of Maya Angelou

Though Angelou had passed away in 2014, her impact has been deeply felt by several generations of readers and admirers. Through her courage and legacy, Angelou has left a life-affirming message of resilience that continues to resonate with many to this day. Her work was not only an ode to the beauty and complexity of the African American heritage and civilization, but also a testament to her belief that, no matter the challenge, one can reassert their power and find emancipation in shared humanity and collective understanding.

Angelou’s legacy is seen in the variety of awards, recognitions, and honors she has received throughout her life. Beyond her appointment to Poet Laureate, she was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was also bestowed several honorary degrees from universities such as Yale University and Harvard University. Her inspiring presence, articulate speeches, and passionate conversations have made her an irreplaceable pillar of the literary and civil rights movement.

In her life and works, she has been a beacon of hope, resiliency, and inspiration to many. Her courageous and agonizing experiences broke barriers, providing space and opportunity to discuss our fears, pains, and joys. She provided a voice to those who were voiceless and used her craft to become a messenger of truth and justice. Her words will continue to resonate with many generations to come.

Maya Angelou’s Readership

In the wake of Angelou’s passing, her life and works have become the subject of many conversations. Her books have sold in millions, influencing generations of readers from around the world. As her readership grew, Angelou’s works have served as a gateway to a greater understanding of the African American experience and its struggles and beauty. Angelou’s works have been on the school curriculum for both children and adults in numerous countries, and many of her works have been declared timeless classics.

Angelou’s influence took her beyond the confines of poetry, as her powerful messages and speeches also made her an engaging public figure. Her compelling and courageous life story has been showcased through numerous documentaries as well as theatrical and musical productions in the U.S. and abroad. Through these performances, she has connected people from different walks of life, allowing them to see the commonality and the beauty of their shared humanity.

Finally, Angelou has been honored through numerous public works. The Maya Angelou Remembrance Monument, for example, is a public sculpture that was erected in her honor in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The sculpture is a representation of Angelou’s life and a reminder of the power of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Angelou has also been the subject of numerous named buildings, tributes, and other monuments that seek to honor her lasting legacy and become a source of encouragement and inspiration.

Maya Angelou’s Influence on the Arts

Angelou used her voice and her works to influence and shape culture. Her influence has been seen in a variety of artistic fields, such as television, dance, theatre, and visual arts. Through her writing and powerful presence, she has managed to affect various generations and communities, resonating with different cultures and backgrounds.

The influence of Angelou’s words has been seen on the stage, where productions based on her works, have been featured in several countries. These productions have served to bring about a greater understanding of the African American experience, and the struggle for justice and freedom.

In the visual arts, Angelou’s works have been a source of inspiration for renowned muralists, painters, and photographers who have utilized Angelou’s words to create works that reflect her legacy, perseverance, and courage. Some works have included, for example, sculptures and public artwork that explore Angelou’s words, her themes, and her insights into the human experience.

In the world of television, Angelou’s book And Still I Rise served as the basis for the award-winning PBS documentary of the same name. The film included clips of her interviews and poetry readings interspersed with interviews with people who shared their insights on Angelou’s life and works. Through these mediums, Angelou managed to bring the nuances and complexities of her life and beliefs to the screen, thus and making them accessible to a wider audience.

Angelou’s influence has also been seen in music, as her words and her works have inspired numerous musicians and composers. Several musical tributes to herinclude, for example, Roberta Flack’s traditional jazz version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, as well as Stevie Wonder’s soulful rendition of “Heaven Help Us All” which was dedicated to Angelou.

Maya Angelou and the Civil Rights Movement

Angelou’s enthusiasm for civil rights and activism has been often expressed in her works, as well as her messages in her lectures, interviews and other public activities. Her activism initially began with the civil rights and anti-war movements of the late 1960s, where she expressed adamant stances on various social justice issues. In her later years, she focused specifically on civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, violence against women, and the importance of education, among other social issues.

In the mid-1990s, Angelou become a vocal advocate for gun control, and she served on the board of directors of the Million Mom March Organization. Through her involvement with the organization, she helped to draw attention to the importance of gun safety and the prevention of gun violence. Her work with the Million Mom March has been seen as a major influence in the organization’s success in drawing attention to the need for greater gun safety and regulation.

Angelou also served on the board of the National Women’s Political Caucus, and she was a board member of the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Angelou was highly committed to ending the cycle of domestic violence, and her efforts in this area have helped to eliminate many biases and challenges related to domestic violence victims of color.

Angelou was also actively involved in fundraising for civil rights organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center. Through her efforts and those of the organizations she helped, she has continued to support the advancement of civil rights and social justice, and to work towards a world of increased tolerance and understanding.