2. BIOGRAPHY Maya Angelou is best known for writing six autobiographical testaments to her years as a child and young adult growing up in the South. Her most highly acclaimed work was her first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which she published in 1969. Angelou has been heralded for her body of work, and has been given more than 30 honorary degrees at prestigious colleges around the country. In 1971 she was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for her poetry anthology titled Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Diiie
3. BIOGRAPHY Maya Angelou whose name was originally Marguerite Johnson was born April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States; daughter of Bailey Johnson (a doorkeeper and naval dietician) and Vivian Johnson (a nurse and realtor). Maya married Tosh Angelou (divorced c. 1952); married Paul Du Feu, December, 1973 (divorced); children: Guy Johnson
4. BIOGRAPHY Maya Angelou, through her powerful writings, has inspired generations of women, African-Americans and all people who struggle to overcome prejudice, discrimination and abuse. Angelou's writings have altered society for the better, bringing greater diversity into the theater and literature. Her autobiographical works provide powerful insights into the evolution of black women in the 20th century
5. BIOGRAPHY Angelou had become recognized not only as a spokesperson for blacks and women, but also for all people who are committed to raising the moral standards of living in the United States.“ She is also an educator and is currently the Reynolds professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.
6. USES IN EDUCATION Maya Angelou’s autobiographical novels are widely read and taught in schools and universities and continue to inspire lively critical responses. Angelou's autobiographies have been used in narrative and multicultural approaches in teacher education. Jocelyn A. Glazier, a professor at George Washington University, has used I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Gather Together in My Name to train teachers how to "talk about race" in their classrooms.
7. USES IN EDUCATION Psychologist Chris Boyatzis has reported using Caged Bird to supplement scientific theory and research in the instruction of child development topics such as the development of self-concept and self-esteem, ego resilience, industry versus inferiority, effects of abuse, parenting styles, sibling and friendship relations, gender issues, cognitive development, puberty, and identity formation in adolescence. He found the book a "highly effective" tool for providing real-life examples of these psychological concepts.
8. Angelou's depictions of her experiences of racism force white readers to explore their feelings about race and their own "privileged status STILL I RISE “Out of the huts of history's shameI riseUp from a past that's rooted in painI riseI'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.Leaving behind nights of terror and fearI riseInto a daybreak that's wondrously clearI riseBringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,I am the dream and the hope of the slave.”I rise
9. QUOTES FROM MAYA ANGELOU “The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.” I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
10. MAYA’S WORKS AND MEANINGS Phenominal woman: * teaches women to embrace their inner beauty and to have confidence in themselves. Still I Rise: * a tribute her ability to rise above anything that has happened to her or will happen to her.
11. Willy: * written about her uncle and his physical disabilities and how they effected him and his life. My Life Has Turned To Blue: * was written to tell of her views on her heartaches and failed relationships.
12. On the pulse On The pulse Of Morning: written for President William Jefferson Clintons 1993 inauguration.
13. Maya’s Poetry Is emotional, spiritual, and uplifting. Helps the reader to see and hear what she see hears. Transcends race, social status, and religion. Tells a story with any dialogue
14. Power of Words Summation “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning.”
