Autobiography

Known for her numerous memoirs and poetry collections, Dr, Maya Angelou a
renowned poet, author and actor.  Born Marguerite Annie Johnson, Maya Angelou had a very difficult childhood.  Her parents broke up when she was very young and she was sent to live with her paternal Grandmother. 

This multi-talented individual became  a world renowned author, actor, poet, dancer, songwriter, producer and activist.  Being an African-American, Maya had her fair share of racial prejudices and discriminations.  At the age 7, she suffered abuse from her mother's boyfriend.  As a result of this, she was so traumatized that she lived like a mute for several years.

It was during the second world war that Dr. Maya Angelou moved to San Francisco where she won a scholarship to study dancing and acting at the California Labor School. She also became the first female cable car conductor during this time.
At the age of 16, she gave birth to her one and only son Guy. To support her son, Maya had to work many odd jobs. In 1952, she wed a Greek sailor named Anastasios Angelopoulos.  This was when she shortened her name to Maya Angelou.

Dr. Maya Angelou is one of the most renowned voices of our time.  In the mid 1950's, her career took off.  As a member of the Harlem Writer's Guild, and Civil Rights Activist, she organized and starred in the revue Cabaret for Freedom as a benefit for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. She was the coordinator of the group.  Throughout her career, Angelou has written several autobiographies but in I know Why the Caged Bird Sings written in 1969, continue to be her most popular work to date.  

After facing health issues for a number of years, Dr. Maya Angelou died on May 28, 2014 at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.




Updated: August 2014