Maya Angelou was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, leaving a lasting impact through a career that spanned over five decades. She first made her mark as a singer and dancer, then transitioned into journalism and civil rights activism, and later became a celebrated memoirist, poet, and screenwriter.

Here’s a look at five of her most remarkable achievements.

1. A Dedicated Civil Rights Activist

Angelou’s global experiences deeply shaped her activism. While living in Ghana, she connected with Malcolm X, and upon returning to the U.S. in 1964, she worked alongside him to support his political efforts. Tragically, he was assassinated soon after her return.

Despite this heartbreaking loss, Angelou remained committed to the Civil Rights Movement, later working with Martin Luther King Jr. to raise funds for his cause. Sadly, in 1968, King was also assassinated—on Angelou’s birthday. During this difficult time, author James Baldwin encouraged her to write, leading to the creation of her groundbreaking memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

2. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Became a Literary Phenomenon

Published in 1969, Angelou’s memoir candidly recounted her childhood in Arkansas and her journey to becoming a teenage mother at 16. The book succeeded instantly, staying on the New York Times bestseller list for two years. It was also nominated for a National Book Award in 1970 and remains one of her most recognized works. In 2011, Time magazine named it one of the most influential books of modern times.

3. The First Black Woman to Write a Screenplay for a Major Film

In 1972, Angelou made history by writing and composing the music for Georgia, Georgia, a Swedish-American drama that earned a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize. She continued to write for television and theater, eventually fulfilling her dream of directing with the 1998 film Down in the Delta.

4. The First Female Inaugural Poet in U.S. History

In 1993, Angelou became the first woman and Black poet to recite a poem at a U.S. presidential inauguration. She delivered On the Pulse of Morning at President Bill Clinton’s swearing-in ceremony. Before her, only Robert Frost had performed at an inauguration, reading The Gift Outright at John F. Kennedy’s 1961 ceremony.

5. Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Angelou received countless literary and humanitarian awards and over 50 honorary degrees throughout her lifetime. In 2010, President Barack Obama honoured her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to literature, civil rights, and culture.

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