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Born in St. Louis Missouri
Originally named Marguerite Johnson -
Period: to
Maya Angelou
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Raped at age eight by her mother's boyfriend
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Graduates from Mission High School
Shortly after graduation, Maya gives birth to her son Clyde (Guy). During this year, she was also the first black women trolly car conductor in San Francisico. -
A Career Beigins
Wins a scholarship to study dance Two years later she performs professionally for the first time in "The Purple Onion" From 1952 to 1961 she toured with various broadway and off-broadway productions -
Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Served as Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with Martin Luther King Jr. (assassinated on her birthday) -
World Traveler
She travels to London and Africa-- In Egypt she served as editor of the Arab Observer. While abroad, she mastered French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, and Fanti. -
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
One of her most popular poems. Nominated for the National Book Award -
Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Die
Nominated for the Pultizer Prize -
Nominated for a Tony Award
Marries Paul De Fe (dissolves in seven years) -
"And Still I Rise"
This popular poem is published and also produced into a One Act Musical. -
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
The book version of this poem is produced into a television screeplay -
North Carolina Award for Literature
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"On the Pulse of the Morning"
Presents this poem at President Bill Clinton's inauguration -
Memorial Poem
Maya writes a poem in honor of Michael Jackson following his death. The poem is read by Queen Latifah at the memorial honoring Jackson. -
Residing in North Carolina
