Wise words such as these have become a part of Angelou’s legacy. As Angelou once said, “It is very important for every human being to forgive herself or himself, because if you live you will make mistakes.” She wrote openly and honestly, both to forgive others and to forgive herself. With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, she became one of the first Black American women to discuss her personal life in such a public manner. Through her poetry and prose - and through reading it aloud - Angelou rediscovered her voice. “I was a mute from the time I was seven and a half until I was almost 13,” she explained in an interview with the Academy of Achievement. Angelou was raped when she was just a young girl, after which she stopped speaking for several years. Writing helped Angelou to find her voice - quite literally in this case.

During her incredible career, she received many awards and accolades, including more than 50 honorary degrees, three Grammys, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. These are considered her most important works, dealing with themes such as race, identity, and family. Somehow, Angelou also found time to write seven autobiographies, beginning in 1969 with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. She also acted, wrote, and directed for the stage, TV, and movies, and she gave lectures, composed music, wrote two cookbooks, and recited a poem at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration. In the 1960s, she became active in the civil rights movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Early in her career, she worked as a streetcar conductor, cook, and nightclub performer, among other jobs. Maya Angelou Quote About Martin Luther King, Jr.In her 86 years of life, Maya Angelou experienced and accomplished more than most people would in 10 lifetimes.Scroll below to find a Maya Angelou quote you love, then click on one of the circular buttons below the image to share it instantly with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest! If today is one of those days, we guarantee these quotes from Maya Angelou will be the perfect poetic pick-me-up. It goes without saying that life can be hard sometimes. And I live it.” Through it all, the subject of living life to the fullest was a common theme in much of her work - filled with positivity, inspiration, and uplifting messages. As she once said, “I work very hard, and I play very hard. Though Maya Angelou explored heavy topics in her writing, she wasn’t afraid to have a little fun either. Maya Angelou Quotes on Cards You Can Share The best Maya Angelou quotes about success, life, and love give us a beautiful glimpse into how powerful her impact still is today. The award-winning author who’s written more than 30 books is a timeless reminder to us all about the impact one woman can have on millions. Of course, she further continued this mission in the decades to come, fearlessly touching on once-taboo subjects like black beauty, female strength, and true liberty and justice for all. Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude. The challenging days of my existence may or may not be bright and promising. The ship of my life may or may not be sailing on calm and amiable seas. By the 1970s, she was widely known as not only a fierce advocate for women and people of color, but also for anyone who wanted to improve the moral standards in the United States. Wouldnt Take Nothing for My Journey Now, p.11, Bantam. Released to critical acclaim, it’s still one of her highest praised works today. King himself.Īfter traveling abroad for several years, she returned to the United States in the mid-1960s to write her first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, about her difficult beginnings. Inspired by his words, she joined the civil rights movement, getting the chance to work for Dr. She joined the Harlem Writers Guild in the late 1950s, when she had the opportunity to hear Martin Luther King Jr. Despite being subjected to abuse, violence, and racism growing up, the talented writer slowly began to make her voice heard. Though best known for her poetry and storytelling, Maya Angelou was also a civil rights activist, educator, and Hollywood’s first black female director. Maya Angelou sadly passed away at the age of 86 on May 28, 2014, but her legacy lives on - and rightfully so. To say that she had a way with words in just about any situation is an understatement, and these quotes by Maya Angelou are all the proof you need. The renowned poet wrote about seemingly every topic under the sun - equality, love, beauty, success, and self-examination, to name a few - in a beautiful yet powerful fashion. We can always count on Maya Angelou quotes to cheer us up when we’re having a bad day.

Quotes from maya angelou