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Research Paper
Maya Angelo

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March 20, 2013

The life story of Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri the second child to Bailey Johnson and Vivian Johnson.
Synopsis
Strongly influenced by her times, Maya Angelou has established herself as one the greatest voices in contemporary literature. Her literary works appeal to a worldwide of readers who are inspired and empowered by her words. In her literary works she shares her hard-earned wisdom, humorous and painful truths and powerful affirmations. In using her voice she affirms that as people we are intertwined by one of the most powerful elements in the universe—love. Love was the common denominator in her according to Maya, “life is challenging by the day or year in areas of love, health, prosperity and romantic love are issues that beleaguer every human being in the world.” Maya challenges and encourages her audience to love ourselves and love each other in order for each of us to evolve as human beings. A recurrent theme yet powerful lesson she leaves to her audiences was articulated very eloquently by Oprah Winfrey, “You don’t have to hold yourself hostage to who you use to be or anything you use to do.” Maya’s rise to literary prominence and later one of the most notable woman______ from a tragic experience. At the age of seven, she was traumatized by the rape and subsequent murder of her rapist. In the mind of young Maya thought her voice killed the man and she stopped talking for six years. In her own words “Every year… every day is challenging; health, prosperity, romantic love issues that beleaguer every human being in the world. The greatest challenges in her life were always mitigated by love. Love is one of the most powerful elements in the universe. In 1951, Angelou married Greek electrician, former sailor, and aspiring musician Enistasious (Tosh) Angelos, despite the condemnation of interracial



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