[April 4, 1928] - [May 28, 2014]
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
Resting Place: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Family
Spouse: Vusumzi Make (1951-1954)
Children: Guy Johnson, Maya Angelou Johnson
Parents: Bailey Johnson Jr., Vivian Baxter Johnson
Known Relatives: (none)
Education
Degrees: * Bachelor of Arts in English, San Francisco State College
Occupation: * Poet, author, dancer, singer, actress, civil rights activist
Connections
All Known affiliates:
NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, United Nations
Known peers:
James Baldwin, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr
Known colleagues:
Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisholm, Coretta Scott King
Mentors:
George Washington Carver, Alain Locke
Legacy
Bibliography:
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Gather Together in My Name, Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas
Achievements:
Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom
Known for:
Poetry, civil rights activism, autobiography
Quotes
- ”I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
- "I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
- "I’ve learned that strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."
- "I’ve learned that it is not how much you have, but how much you enjoy, that makes happiness."
- "I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.”