Maya Angelou Timeline

By halleybuehler

  • Birthdate and Location

    Maya Angelou was born named Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4th, 1928 in St. Louis Missouri.

  • Start of Her Broad Career

    In 1940, Maya, Her brother, and her mother moved to San Fransisco where she took dance lessons. This kickstarted her career in singing, dancing, acting, and literature.

  • Birth of Her Son

    At the young age of 16, Maya gave birth to her son, Clyde Johnson, in 1943.

  • Maya Angelou's First Job

    At the age of 17, Maya became the first African American female streetcar conductor in 1944.
  • Period: to

    Acting and Singing Career Startup

    During the 1950's Maya landed many roles as a performer such as Porgy and Bess and Calypso Heat Wave. She also released her first album, Miss Calypso, in 1957.

  • Marriage to Tosh Angelos

    Maya marries Tosh Angelos in 1951.

  • Divorce

    Maya Angelou and Tosh Angelos's marriage ended in 1954. She then began to perform In nightclubs under the name "Maya Angelou" - a combination of her and Tosh's names.

  • First Published Book

    Maya's First published work was I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in 1969.

  • First Published Poem

    Maya's First Published poem was "Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie" in 1971.

  • Tony Award Nomination

    In the year 1973, Maya earned a Tony Award Nomination for her role in Look Away.

  • Award

    Along with many other awards, Maya was awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.

  • Date of Death

    Maya Angelou passed away on May 28th, 2014 at age 86 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.