Maya Angelou's Milestones

Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, best known for I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, whose powerful voice advanced equality and inspired generations.
1928

Birth

Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, to Bailey Johnson and Vivian Baxter Johnson.

Family April 4, 1928
1931

Parents' separation

Her parents separated, and she was sent to live with her grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas.

Family January 1, 1931
1935

Childhood trauma and muteness

Experienced trauma after sexual abuse and became mute for several years.

Other January 1, 1935 - January 1, 1940
1944

Became a teen mother

Gave birth to her son, Guy Johnson, at age 16.

Family May 1, 1944
1954

Dancer and performer

Toured Europe as a dancer in the production of 'Porgy and Bess.'

Career January 1, 1954 - January 1, 1955
1960

Civil rights activism

Worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X in the civil rights movement.

Achievement January 1, 1960 - January 1, 1970
1962

Moved to Ghana

Lived in Accra, Ghana, working at the University of Ghana and as a journalist.

Location January 1, 1962 - January 1, 1965
1969

First autobiography published

Published 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,' gaining international acclaim.

Achievement January 1, 1969
1982

Professor at Wake Forest

Became Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.

Career January 1, 1982
1993

Poet at Clinton inauguration

Recited her poem 'On the Pulse of Morning' at President Bill Clinton's inauguration.

Achievement January 20, 1993
2011

Received Presidential Medal of Freedom

Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

Achievement February 15, 2011
2014

Death

Maya Angelou died in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Other May 28, 2014