10 Interesting Facts about Maya Angelou You Probably Don’t Know

Maya Angelou, a poet, author, and civil rights activist, left a lasting impact on American literature and society. She is best known for her autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” which made history as the first non-fiction bestseller by an African American woman. While her impact is well known, there are still some fascinating facts about her that many people don’t know.

1. She changed her name

Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson but changed her name to Maya Angelou when she began her career as a performer. The name “Maya” comes from her brother Bailey’s childhood nickname for her, while “Angelou” is a variation of her ex-husband’s last name.

2. She was mute for five years

When she was eight years old, Angelou was raped by her mother’s boyfriend. After telling her brother, the perpetrator was arrested and jailed but was soon released and murdered, presumably by one of Angelou’s uncles. As a result of the trauma, Angelou became mute for five years.

3. She worked with Malcolm X

In the early 1960s, Angelou worked as a coordinator for the New York chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and later teamed up with Malcolm X to found the Organization of Afro-American Unity.

4. She was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize

Angelou was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for her book “Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Diiie” in 1972. Although she wasn’t the first African American to be nominated, she was the first black woman to be nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

5. She was the first Black woman to have a screenplay produced

Angelou wrote the screenplay for the 1972 film “Georgia, Georgia,” which was directed by Swedish director Stig Björkman. The film was notable for being the first screenplay by a Black woman to be produced.

6. She spoke several languages

Angelou spoke English, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, and Fante. Her love of languages began when she was a child and lived with her grandmother, who spoke only English and Tribal languages.

7. She was a dancer

Angelou was a trained dancer and worked in a strip club when she was younger under the name “Miss Calypso.” Her skills as a dancer influenced her poetry, which she often described as having rhythm and movement.

8. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded Angelou the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. In his speech, Obama described Angelou as a “true Renaissance woman.”

9. She was a professor

Angelou held several teaching positions at universities, including Wake Forest University, where she was a professor of American studies and Reynolds Professor of Poetry.

10. She was a singer

Angelou released a calypso album called “Miss Calypso” in 1957, which featured songs she wrote herself. She also recorded several albums of her poetry set to music, including “The Poetry of Maya Angelou” and “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings And Other Favorites.”

Conclusion

Maya Angelou was a remarkable woman with many accomplishments throughout her life. From changing her name to contribute to the civil rights movement, her work as a dancer, author, and professor, to her achievements as a screenwriter and singer. Angelou’s inspiring life serves as a testament to the triumph of human spirit over adversity. Her legacy serves as a reminder that anyone can overcome challenges and achieve greatness with determination and persistence.

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