-
Birth Date
Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, MO -
Miss Calypso
In 1957, Maya Angelou released her first album. This album was a mild success but she did not continue to make any more. -
Civil Rights Movement Supporter
In 1960, Maya was able to meet Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout her life, Maya participated in many civil rights organizations and helped raise funds by starting in the show 'Cabaret for Freedom.' -
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
During 1969, Maya Angelou published her autobiography. The book features stories from her early childhood to teen years and received much success. -
Georgia, Georgia
Maya Angelou wrote the soundtrack and screenplay of the 1972 film, Georgia, Georgia. This allowed her to become the first black women to every write a screenplay for a major film. -
Tony Nomination
In 1973, Maya was nominated for a Tony for her role in the play "Look Away." -
US Presidential inauguration
In 1973, Maya made history by becoming the first female to recite a poem at the US Presidential inauguration. She delivered her poem titled "On the pulse of Morning" at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration and was only the second poet to every earn this honor (The first being Robert Frost). -
Reynolds Professor of American Studies
In 1982, Maya Angelou was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. At Wake Forest University, she taught a variety of subjects and described herself as "a teacher who writes." -
Spingarn Medal
In 1994, Maya Angelou was awarded the Spingarn Medal by NAACP or National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. -
National Medal of Arts
In 2000, Maya Angelou was awarded the National Medal of Arts by the United States Congress. -
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Maya was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama. -
Death
Maya died at the age of 86 on May 28, 2014 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.
