Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou is a strong , unique , and very accomplished African American woman . She had an inspiring and eventful childhood , and a challenging yet very successful life . Her autobiographical works reveal her struggles , growth experiences , and triumphs . Her life is full of achievements , giving to society , and constant learning . This will present some highlighted moments of her life that are significant , note some of her inspirations , and make mention of some of her noteworthy achievements

On her website , we find her long list of publications , awards and other achievements . She is the

author of a series of autobiographical novels essays , plays , screenplays , and poetry . She is a brilliant woman . One of the more impressive details about Dr . Angelou is that she can speak English , French , Spanish , Italian , Arabic , West African Fanti . Angelou has an exceptionally long list of achievements , including multiple appearances on the New York Times best seller list , receiving the Horatio Alger Award in 1992 , the Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature in 1999 , and the Teresa Award , for her untiring devotion and service to humanity in August 2006 . She was also named one of "the top 100 best of the 20th Century " by Writer 's Digest in 1999

Over a span of sixteen years , Dr . Angelou released five autobiographical novels . The first of these novels , I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings remained on the best seller list for two years . She was nominated for a Tony Award as well as an Emmy for her acting performances in films . She has over 30 successful publications . Dr . Angelou has earned over 30 Honorary Degrees from universities and colleges all over the country including Yale University in 1970 and Colombia University in 2003

These are but a few of her numerous accomplishments , and it would not be surprising , should she earn more . Her work reveals her spirit and her heart . She has learned many things about life and living , and her work expresses that . Her autobiographical novels tell the story of her life as she sees it , and reflects what it has taught her

She has many political experiences , and connections with society . She was the coordinator for the Northern organization for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference that Dr . Martin Luther King , Jr requested in 1959 and 1960 . Angelou was appointed as a member of the American Revolution Bicentennial Council by President Gerald Ford in 1975 through 1976 . She also served on Jimmy Carter 's Presidential Commission for International Women 's Year , 1978-1979

Maya Angelou was an observer . She not only learned from the experiences in her life , but from the experiences of those around her . Bailey , her older brother was the closest person to her . After being raped , she had taken to silence and would only speak to him . Her son Guy changed her life by simply being born . Her strong sense of responsibility for him defines who she is today . Mrs . Bertha Flowers was a mother figure in her life , as was her grandmother . Her biological mother...