Maya Angelou

The story, in brief.

Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, essayist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou's series of seven autobiographies focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.

Introduction from Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full biography ↗

A life in milestones.

Selected records from Wikidata. Ages are approximate; “c.” marks uncertain dates. This is a starting point for exploration, not a complete life history.

1. 1928
   Life

   Born in St. Louis

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2. 1983~ age 55
   Recognition

   honorary degree from Spelman College

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3. 1990~ age 62
   Recognition

   honorary citizen of Baltimore

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4. 1991~ age 63
   Recognition

   Langston Hughes Medal

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5. 1992~ age 64
   Recognition

   Crystal Award

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6. 1993~ age 65
   Recognition

   Arkansas Black Hall of Fame

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7. 1995~ age 67
   Recognition

   Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording

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8. 1998~ age 70
   Recognition

   National Women's Hall of Fame

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9. 2002~ age 74
   Recognition

   Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording

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10. 2008~ age 80
    Recognition

    Marian Anderson Award

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11. 2013~ age 85
    Recognition

    Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community

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12. 2014~ age 86
    Life

    Death

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