A Brief Biography of Maya Angelou - 746 Words

Maya Angelou born April 4, 1928 is an American author and poet. She was born with the name Marguerite Ann Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri. Her parents were Bailey Johnson, doorman and a navy dietitian and Vivian Johnson, a nurse and card dealer. When Angleous older brother, Bailey Jr. was four and Angelou was 3 years old their mother and fathers marriage ended and the children were sent to live with their grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas. Even though it was during the Great Depression and World War II their grandmother prospered financially because of the general store she owned and because â€Å"she made wise and honest investments†. Without warning, Maya and Bailey Jr.s father went to Stamps and returned the children to their mother in St. Louis at the age of eight. While living with her mother Angelou was sexually abused and raped by her mothers boyfriend. When Angelou told her brother he told the rest of their family and Freeman, Vivians boyfriend was found guilty but was o nly jailed for one day. Freeman was murdered just four days after his release from jail. For almost five years Angelou refused to speak because she stated, â€Å"I thought, my voice killed him; I killed that man, because I told his name. And then I thought I would never speak again, because my voice would kill anyone...† Angelou and her brother were sent back to live with their grandmother shortly after Freemans murder. Mrs. Bertha Flowers, a teacher, introduced Angelou to Charles Dickens, WilliamShow MoreRelatedMaya Angelou And Langston Hughes1193 Words   |  5 Pagespoetry. Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes are both African American poets that have made tremendously positive names for themselves in the literature department. Their significant signature in the poetic community has been made by their passion and commitment to produce poetry that speaks to the emotions the public faces on a daily basis. Maya Angelou was brought into this world on April 4th, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up in St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas (Maya Angelou Biography 1). SadlyRead MoreEssay on Maya Angelou1185 Words   |  5 PagesDistress in Maya Angelous Life Marguerite Ann Johnson, commonly known as Maya Angelou, was born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. She is a famous African-American poet, novelist, and playwright and also worked during the civil rights: Angelou is a very remarkable Renaissance woman who hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature (www.mayaangelou.com). She is also an activist in civil-rights. Angelou went through many controversies during her childhood and adulthood; herRead MoreMaya Angelou Biography951 Words   |  4 PagesMaya Angelou Biography Maya Angelou is an amazing American author, poet, entertainer, actress, playwright, producer and director, historian and civil rights activist. She is best known for her portrayals of strong African American women. Born April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. Maya Angelous given name was Marguerite Johnson, Maya and her brother Bailey spent most of their childhood living with their grandmother in rural Arkansas. Maya grew up in Stamps and learned what it was like to