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Born as Marguerite Johnson
Maya Angelou was born to her parents Vivian Baxter Johnson and Bailey Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri. She was given the name Marguerite Johnson, but her brother, Bailey, nicknamed her Maya. -
First African American Female Streetcar Conductor
After dropping out of high school, she became the first African American female streetcar conductor in San Francisco, California. -
"Miss Calypso" Record Released
Maya Angelou was a singer and songwriter, but "Miss Calypso" was her first and only album released. -
Martin Luther King Jr. and Maya Angelou
Martin Luther King Jr. asked Maya Angelou to be the Northern Coordinator of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. To raise money for the organization, she wrote, directed, produced and performed in "Cabaret for Freedom -
Time in Egypt
Maya Angelou spent some time in Egypt working as an assistant administrator and feature editor. In addition to being well traveled, she also spoke English, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and West African Fanti. -
"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"
Maya Angelou's most famous book is published. -
Pulitzer Prize Nominee
Maya Angelou was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for "Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie." -
Jimmy Carter appoints Maya Angelou
President Jimmy Carter appointed Maya Angelou to National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year. -
Teaching at Wake Forest University
Maya Angelou was the Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest. -
Grammy Winner
Maya Angelou won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word or Non-Musical Album with her poem "On the Pulse of Morning." -
Presidential Medal of Freedom
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"Mom & Me & Mom"
Maya Angelou's eight autobiography is published. "Mom & Me & Mom" is a tribute to her mother and grandmother. -
Dies at age 86
Maya Angelou died in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
