THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Dr. Maya Angelou

April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them…I have decided not to be reduced by any events, social or political, that aim to rob me of my dignity.”

Writer, poet, playwright, essayist, civil rights activist, actress, writer, director and producer. Recognized by many organizations both nationally and internationally for her contributions to literature. Joined Harlem Writers Guild in 1959. Earned widespread acclaim with the publication of her memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969. Active in the Civil Rights Movement and served as the northern coordinator of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Became the first African-American woman to have her screen play turned into a film with the production of Georgia, Georgia, 1972. Earned a Tony nomination in 1973 for her supporting role in Jerome Kitty’s play Look Away, and portrayed Kunta Kinte’s grandmother in the television miniseries Roots in 1977. Wake Forest University offered Angelou the Reynolds Professorship of American Studies, 1981. Recited poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, 1993; the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.

Photo. Maya Angelou and Gloria Steinem marching arm in arm en route to the 20th Anniversary of the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington D. C. on August 17th, 1983.