An absolute treasure, Maya Angelou has given Black women a voice of strength and beauty. I was first introduced to her work when I recited her poem “Caged Bird” for a poetry contest in high school–a moment that changed who I am and set me on a “healthy” obsession with Black literary figures. “Caged Bird” is a poem that describes the difference between a free bird and caged bird, highlighting how the caged bird sings a notable and powerful song because its voice is all it has while entrapped. While a free bird can enjoy the light of day and the air in its wings, a caged bird can only sing its freedom song. The poem uniquely expressed the difference between freedom and oppression and I remember how deeply the poem moved my spirit as I practiced, perfected my vocal inflections, and added gestures to give it life.
Angelou’s words have undeniable power–so much so that she was chosen as the Presidential Inaugural Poet in 1993, gifting us with “On the Pulse of Morning”, a moving call to action for a return to “the dream”, eloquently noting that “history, despite its wrenching pain cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again”–words of wisdom we can continue to reflect on in this moment. She later received the National Medal of Arts from President Bill Clinton in 2000 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom–the highest civilian honor–from President Barack Obama in 2010. There is no doubt that Maya Angelou’s words have shaped the world, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Angelou was a woman of many talents–an actress, singer, and dancer who performed with the renowned Alvin Ailey and toured Europe in a production of Porgy and Bess. For nearly a decade, she forged a name for herself on stage before relocating to Africa and embarking on the writing career that would define her legacy. She went on to write seven profoundly moving autobiographies that capture various stages of her life, blending the emotional depth of fiction with the intimacy of memoir. Her work earned her over 50 honorary degrees, a Literarian Award, and a National Book Award nomination, all recognitions that reflect the depth of her contribution to literature and to the world. Maya Angelou lived a dynamic, extraordinary life worthy of every honor she received, and every accolade still to come.
Her poetry speaks directly to the experiences of Black womanhood, offering solace, reflection, and empowerment. Her life marked by trials yet filled with hope reveal to us what it means to overcome, to rise, and to shine despite adversity. Through her words, I am reminded of my own power as a Black woman and remaining confident, steadfast, and unmovable in this life.
I leave you with words from her, as a reminder to keep moving forward–
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
-”Still I Rise,” Maya Angelou