Maya Angelou was an influential American poet, memoirist, actress, and civil rights activist. She was born Marguerite Johnson in 1928 and published seven autobiographies and three books of essays. Some of her most famous poems include "Still I Rise", "Phenomenal Woman", and "On the Pulse of Morning" which she recited at President Bill Clinton's 1993 inauguration, making her the first poet to recite at a presidential inauguration since Robert Frost in 1961. Angelou's writings focused on themes of identity, family, style and racism and have provided insight into the experiences of black women in the 20th century.

1. Maya Angelou How Powerful Words Are Through Poetry w Powerful Words Can v By: Teleisha Latimore English 1102, Semester 4, Ecampus Professor E. Owens

2. Early Life Born Marguerite Ann Johnson on the date of April 4, 1928 Changed her name after managers at a nightclub requested that she obtain a more “theatrical” name -used “Maya”, a nickname from her brother, and “Angelou” from an ex-husband Had son at early age and had to take on numerous jobs

3. Careers Throughout Lifetime Fry cook Film Director Educator Public speaker Actor Been in numerous plays and films Influential poet Essayist

4. Poems Some of her Famous Poems Son to Mother Still, I Rise Phenomenal Woman The Black Family Pledge In All Ways a Woman Ain’t That Bad? On the Pulse of Morning Collections Just give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Diiie Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize

5. Autobiographies I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Gather Together In My Name Singin’ and Swingin’ and Getting’ Merry Like Christmas The Heart of a Woman All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes A Song Flung Up To Heaven

6. Style In each of her autobiographies, Angelou sticks to Four themes - Style, Identity, Family and Racism When keeping with the themes of her books, the events are obviously not in the order in which they happened in her life. Used “her roles, incarnations, and identities to signify multiple layers of oppression and personal history.”

7. Accomplishments -Served on MLK Jr.’s Southern Christian Leader Conference as Northern Coordinator -Published five autobiographies, her first being I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing, in 1969. -Discussed the first sixteen years of her life -Nominated for a National Book Award

8. Accomplishments (cont.) In 1993, at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration, Angelou read her poem “On the Pulse of Morning.” -first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961

9. Quotes: “ History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” “ Nothing will work unless you do”.

10. Angelou’s Poetry and Its Affect on People Maya Angelou touches people with her poetry, autobiographies, speeches and writings. Not only is her poetry “spiritually uplifting and full of hope,” 5 it’s also motivating, moving, honest, humorous, strong, and beautiful. Each of her poems are touching and liberating in their own unique way Angelou’s poems bring memories and clear perspective into our lives Angelou’s writings have brought change to society, creating diversity in literature and the theater. Her autobiographies provide readers with insights on the growth of black women in the twentieth century.

11. Overview The world has had the opportunity to be blessed with Maya Angelou’s presence, and as it is that she continues to write, readers and fans will continue to be awed by her flawless style and way with words.

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