Maya Angelou- The Caged Bird Who Sang

Maya Angelou- The Caged Bird Who Sang To say that African-American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou’s life is a legacy is an understatement. What would be more appropriate to say is that she lived many lives, each of them a legacy- as an author, historian, chef, songwriter, playwright, dancer, producer, director, performer, singer. She lived a remarkable life — and was not afraid to use it in her work. Her experiences became the rich soil of her poetry. Although Maya Angelou is no longer with us today, her legacy lives on through her artistic accomplishments and life achievements. This blog, commemorating her accomplishments, is a tribute to her legacy.

Angelou is truly a caged bird who sang- the story of her life is a testament to this fact. She endured tremendous suffering throughout her life- a traumatic childhood, poverty, prejudice, and discrimination. She grew up during segregation and used her work to empower and give voice to the African American community. Regardless of the challenges she faced, she triumphed with grace, beauty, wit, and wisdom.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, her biography, altered the literary world and opened doors for African American women and authors. The poignant story made literary history as the first nonfiction best-seller by an African-American woman. After the release of her breakthrough autobiography, Angelou rose to international prominence as an author.

Her words live on, giving a voice to the innumerable individuals who have suffered quietly before us, their pain neglected or overlooked. Her legacy weaves a future of hope and love for all those who have endured through a past of anguish and suffering.