#Maya angelou history quote full#

Then she is living phenomenally.Ĭhildren’s talent to endure stems from their ignorance of alternatives. 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.Ī woman who is convinced that she deserves to accept only the best, challenges herself to give the best. History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again. There’s a world of difference between truth and facts.

#Maya angelou history quote full#

It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope. The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them. No sun outlasts its sunset but will rise again and bring the dawn. If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.Ĭourage is the most important of all the virtues … One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. The desire to reach hearts is wise and most possible. The desire to reach the stars is ambitious. Angelou wrote and recited the poem “On the Pulse of Morning” to emphasize unity, social change, and public responsibility.Įach person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. She became the second poet, the first African-American, and the first woman to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration.

“On the Pulse of Morning” (1993.) In January 1993, at Bill Clinton’s first inauguration, Angelou once again made history.

The book reflects on the meaning and enormous responsibilities of motherhood as well as Angelou’s relationship with her teenage son, who, at the book’s end, leaves for college.

“The Heart of a Woman” (1981,) Angelou’s fourth autobiographical installment, recounts the years between 19, during which she was politically active in the civil rights movement and travelled the world.

The poem concludes, “I am the dream and the hope of the slave … I rise … I rise … I rise.” In 1994, Nelson Mandela recited this poem at his inauguration as President of South Africa. “Still I Rise” provides rousing commentary on her ancestors’ struggles and expresses hope for a better future.

“And Still I Rise” (1978,) Angelou’s third volume of poetry, contains her iconic titular poem.

At the conclusion of this moving coming-of-age story, Angelou becomes a 16-year-old mother. Throughout the piece, Angelou steadily gains strength of character, transforms into a dignified young woman, and is even appointed as San Francisco’s first African-American and first woman streetcar conductor. Later, with a mentor’s guidance, she develops a passion for books and finds her own voice. After his death, Angelou withdraws into herself, taking on a nearly mute state for the next 5 years.

She is raped by her mother’s lover, who is later murdered. Sent away by her parents to live with grandparents, Angelou faces and overcomes racism and deprivation. This work tells her life story of suffering and human endurance up until her teenage years and paints a stirring portrait of a young Angelou.

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” (1969,) Angelou’s first autobiography, particularly garnered critical acclaim and international recognition.Here are four must-reads from the late American author and poet: Her seven autobiographies, three collections of essays and books of poetry chronicle the African American experience. She enthusiastically shared the great wisdom she acquired from many hardships, including an abusive childhood, the oppressive 1930s Deep South, and various experiences during her early adulthood.Īngelou famously channeled this hard-won wisdom through writing. Through all of these lenses, Angelou inspired generations of fans. Today marks the birthday of Maya Angelou (1928-2014.) Born Marguerite Ann Johnson, the renowned African-American author adopted an extraordinary range of roles: she was a poet, memoirist, singer, dancer, playwright, director, actor, and even a civil rights activist.