Key Dates at a Glance
Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist whose work continues to resonate across generations. This profile focuses on verified biographical milestones, primarily her birth and death, while contextualizing her enduring influence. Below are the essential dates and their significance.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1928 | Authoritative biographies, interviews, and archival records |
| Place of Birth | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. | Biographical sources and census data |
| Date of Death | May 28, 2014 | Official announcements and reputable news reports |
| Age at Death | 86 years | Calculated from birth and death dates |
Birth and Early Life Context
Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her birth occurred during a period of significant social constraint in the American South, and she was raised between St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas. Early experiences of racism and trauma shaped her resilience and later artistic vision. Angelou’s childhood circumstances influenced her path toward literature and public speaking, setting the stage for her landmark career.
Career Milestones and Public Impact
Angelou’s professional achievements span poetry, autobiography, acting, and activism. Her first memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), brought widespread recognition and remains a touchstone in American literature. She recited a poem at President Bill Clinton’s 1993 inauguration, underscoring her role in national life. Over decades, she received numerous honors, including multiple Grammy Awards for spoken-word albums and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Literary Contributions
Angelou’s writing blends personal narrative with universal themes of dignity and survival. She authored several volumes of poetry and essays, and her work is frequently cited in education and civil rights discourse. Her voice provided perspective on race, gender, and class, and her accessible prose made complex histories legible to broad audiences.
Activism and Public Service
Beyond literature, Angelou was deeply involved in civil rights and humanitarian efforts. She worked with leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, and she participated in global initiatives promoting education and equality. Her public persona combined gravitas and warmth, which helped her connect with diverse communities.
Death and Memorialization
Maya Angelou died on May 28, 2014, at the age of 86. Her death was widely reported by major news organizations, and tributes highlighted her moral clarity and artistic legacy. Memorial services and statements from figures in politics, arts, and sports reflected the breadth of her influence. Her work continues to be taught in schools and cited in public discourse, reinforcing her lasting relevance.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Decades after her first major publications, Angelou’s writings remain staples in curricula and public conversations about identity and justice. Quotations from her poems and essays appear in ceremonial and educational contexts, demonstrating how her language persists in shaping public dialogue. Her life story exemplifies the power of voice and testimony to foster social change.
Comparative Snapshot of Key Dates
The timeline below emphasizes pivotal moments that define Angelou’s public footprint, using verified dates and outcomes to clarify her historical footprint.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| April 4, 1928 | Born as Marguerite Annie Johnson | Marks the origin of a life that reshaped contemporary literature |
| 1969 | Published I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings | Established her as a leading memoirist and voice on race and trauma |
| 1993 | Poem at Bill Clinton’s inauguration | Brought her work to a national and international audience |
| 2010 | Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom | Recognized her lifelong contributions to culture and civil rights |
| May 28, 2014 | Died at age 86 | Ended a prolific public life; prompted widespread reflection on her legacy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Readers often seek clarity on fundamental facts about Angelou’s lifespan and context. Addressing these questions succinctly helps consolidate accurate understanding.
- What was Maya Angelou’s birth date? She was born on April 4, 1928.
- When did Maya Angelou die? She died on May 28, 2014.
- How old was Maya Angelou when she died? She was 86 years old at the time of her death.
- Where was she born? She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States.
- What caused her death? Official statements indicated she died of natural causes, with cardiac issues as a contributing factor.
Reliable Sourcing and Verification
Information in this profile is drawn from reputable biographies, archival documents, and statements issued by institutions and family representatives. Cross-referencing these sources confirms the accuracy of the dates and contextual details provided. When discussing public figures, precise timelines help anchor assessments of their work and influence.
Why Dates Matter in Historical Memory
Birth and death dates situate individuals within broader social and historical frameworks. For Maya Angelou, her nearly nine-decade lifespan spanned eras of profound change in civil rights, literature, and global discourse. Marking when she lived clarifies the context of her contributions and why they continue to be referenced in contemporary debate and education.