Maya Angelou: Award-winning poet and author, civil rights activist

A revered North Carolina poet laureate, world-famous author and civil rights champion who made an impact on American culture and society for more than 50 years, Marguerite Annie Johnson — known to the world as Maya Angelou — is best known for her multipart autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” in 1970, which documents the early years of her childhood in the Jim Crow South.

  • As a civil rights activist, Angelou worked for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Angelou also served on two presidential committees, for Gerald Ford in 1975 and for Jimmy Carter in 1977.

Angelou’s work empowered the African American community and exposed her readers to the joys, pain, and complexities of the Black experience. In particular, Angelou encouraged Black women and girls to embrace their power and give voice to their truths. 

As a whole, Angelou continues to influence, inspire, and enrich generation after generation through her decades of writing and activism. 

Share:

More Posts

Trump’s federal freeze threatens disaster relief, school funding, state patrol in NC

The freeze would result in North Carolina losing billions of dollars in funding for disaster relief, public schools, and state agencies. Though the order was temporarily blocked by a federal judge, Rep. Deborah Ross explained that it has left state and federal officials confused on how to proceed. She remains hopeful that it will not be allowed to pass but expressed the importance of understanding what is at risk.

Eastern North Carolinians Head to Court to Challenge Republican Gerrymandering

Two voters will make their case that Republicans illegally split Black communities in Eastern North Carolina among several electoral districts — effectively diluting their voting power. Courts have previously ruled that racial gerrymandering violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution because it amounts to a discriminatory voting practice.

Thom Tillis Struggles to Find a Position on Trump’s Tariffs

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis (R) is continuing to struggle when asked about tariffs, careful not to criticize Trump while signaling his anxiety over the policy. Tillis was previously censured by the state GOP for holding views contrary to MAGA and now appears wary of stepping out of line with the movement.