The Life of Maya Angelou

By mgfletcher

  • Marguerite Annie Johnson is Born

    Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, MO

  • Angelou gives birth to her son Clyde (Guy Johnson)

  • Maya Johnson marries Tosh Angelos

  • Angelou is named coordinator of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by Martin Luther King Jr.

  • Angelou moves to Cairo, Egypt

  • Angelou's close friend Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated

  • "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is Published

    "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is Published

  • President Jimmy Carter appointed Angelou to the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year

  • Angelou is appointed Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University

  • Angelou recites her poem, "On the Pulse of Morning" at Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration

  • Maya Angelou is awarded a Grammy for the recording of her reciting her poem "On the Pulse of the Morning"

  • Angelou is given the Presidential Medal of Freedom

    Angelou is given the Presidential Medal of Freedom

    President Barack Obama gave Angelou the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom. This award is considered to be the highest civilian honor in the United States.

  • Maya Angelou Passes Away in North Carolina at the age of 86