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Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928)
(born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928) an American author and poet who has been called "America's most visible black female autobiographer" by scholar Joanne M. Braxton. She is best known for her series of six autobiographical volumes, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first and most highly acclaimed, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her first seventeen years. It brought her international recognition, and was nominated for a National Book Award. She has been awarded over 30 honorary degrees and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for her 1971 volume of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Diiie.
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Popular Poems
- A Brave and Startling Truth
- A Conceit
- A Plagued Journey
- Alone
- Awaking in New York
- California Prodigal
- I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
- Insomniac
- Kin
- Men
- Million Man March Poem
- Momma Welfare Roll
- On the Pulse of Morning
- Passing Time
Quotations
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''There is a kind of strength that is almost frightening in black women. It's as if a steel rod runs right through the head down to the feet.''
Maya Angelou (b. 1928), U.S. author. interview broadcast, Nov. 21, 1973. "A Conversation with Maya Angelou," Conversations with Maya Angelou (1989).
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The white American man makes the white American woman maybe not superfluous but just a little kind of decoration. Not really important to turning around the wheels of the state. Well the black America...
Maya Angelou (b. 1928), U.S. author, poet. interview, Nov. 21, 1973. "A Conversation with Maya Angelou," Conversations with Maya Angelou (1989).
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Strictly speaking, one cannot legislate love, but what one can do is legislate fairness and justice. If legislation does not prohibit our living side by side, sooner or later your child will fall on t...
Maya Angelou (b. 1928), African American author and performer. As quoted in I Dream a World, by Brian Lanker (1989).
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...there is a difference between being convinced and being stubborn. I'm not certain what the difference is, but I do know that if you butt your head against a stone wall long enough, at some point yo...
Maya Angelou (b. 1928), U.S. author and performer. As quoted in Reel Women, part 4, by Ally Acker (1991). Said in 1979, on giving up her attempt t...
This poem comes out of heart without make-up, stark naked as a beautiful new born baby; it is reallya poem
I have read some of your poems and become your fan. I am a poet of Bangladesh, generally compose poems in Bangla, have some short poems in English version. I wish you read some of my poems and threw your comments. Is it possible for you. You are such a poet who has keen eyes and who knows how to play with words and how to offer a new message. I salute you.
All my comments get spammed into the deep yonder since everyone loves her.
A true inner and outer beauty, a depth, a wisdom beyond this world and a humour
of true wit.
Thankyou
Maya Angel...
I love to hear the poetry of this great poet. She along with several other African American writers are the inspirations to my writing. I too write poetry and it's my passion since the young age of 8. I have always said and dreamed of being a best selling author of original poetry of all sorts. I feel this is my gift from God and it should be shared with the world. Thanks Maya Angelou you really have helped pave the way for many like me. GOD BLESS.