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Birth
Maya Angelou was born in Saint Louis, Missouri to Bailey and Vivian Johnson. She had an older brother Bailey Jr. -
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High School
Angelou attends George Washington High School in San Francisco. She studies dance and drama at the California Labor School. -
1st Female Black Streetcar Conductor
She worked as the first black female streetcar conductor in San Francisco. -
Birth of Son
Angelou's son, Clyde Johnson, was born. He later changed his name to Guy. -
1st Marriage
At the age of 24, Angelou married her first husband, Tosh Angler, who was a Greek sailor. The marriage did not last due to Angler’s atheism and Maya’s spiritualism. -
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Porgy and Bess Opera
Angelou toured across 4 continents with the opera Porgy and Bess. She played the small role of the character Ruby. -
Recording of 1st Album
Angelou recorded her first album "Miss Calypso." She sang in New York nightclubs performing her songs. -
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Time Abroad
Maya lived in Egypt and Ghana for two years. She joined a community of “Revolutionist Returnees” who fought for pan-Africanism. She also became close with Malcolm X, a human rights activist. -
Publication of "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"
This novel is the first of a six-volume series. It is an autobiography surrounding her early years of dealing with racism and becoming a mother at a young age. -
Pulitzer Prize Nomination
Maya’s poem, “Just Give me a Cool Drink of Water,” earned her a Pulitzer Prize nomination. She was 44 at the time of this nomination, however, she did not receive the award. -
2nd Marriage
At the age of 44, Maya married her second husband, Paul de Feu, who was a British carpenter. They moved to California together, but later divorced in 1980. -
Inauguration of Bill Clinton
Angelou recited “On the Pulse of Morning,” at the inauguration of Bill Clinton. She wrote and recited this poem specifically for this inauguration. -
Grammy Award
Maya received a Grammy for her poem, “A Song Flung Up to Heaven,” published in 2002. Her Grammy was awarded for “Best Spoken Word Album.” -
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the 44th President Barack Obama. Obama praised her ability to “inspire others” and “hold on to her humanity.” -
Death
Maya Angelou died at the age of 86 of old age in Winton-Salem, North Carolina.