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Maya Angelou

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Society has majorly evolved since 1945; one of the biggest contributors in the amazing strides forward has been Maya Angelou. She would receive the person of the century reward for her being active in many different communities. In 1975 Carol E. Neubauer wrote, “Angelou had become recognized not only as a spokesperson for blacks and women, but also for all people who are committed to raising the moral standards of living in the United States.”( Poetryfoundation.org 1)” Maya Angelou was an activist in the Civil Rights movement as well as the Equal Rights Movement. She was not only apart of those movement, but a driving force for those involved. In addition to taking part in many events that changed society, Angelou also served on two presidential …show more content…

Angelou wrote many poems talking about the beauty of women one of her most famous poems is “Phenomenal Woman.” In Phenomenal Woman, published in 1979, Angelou talks about how powerful she is as a woman,”I walk into a room/Just as cool as you please,/ And to a man,/ The fellows stand or/ Fall down on their knees./Then they swarm around me,/ A hive of honey bees./I say,/It’s the fire in my eyes,/And the flash of my teeth,/ The swing in my waist,/ And the joy in my feet./I’m a woman/ Phenomenally.(Angelou 2)” Just this poem sends a powerful message saying that women have power. This is inspiration to the women fighting for equal rights and in everyday life. Maya Angelou’s fight for Women’s Rights is strengthened by experiencing sexual assault. After being raped she would not speak this meaningful because many who experience sexual assault as silenced by their own fear, fear of nothing being done, and fear that it was their fault. Her autobiographies inspire many because they talk about her rape and then later being a single mother at just sixteen. Angelou has even spoken of her support of abortion even though she chose not to abort her son, Guy. (Womensviewonnews.org) Angelou said that those against feminism don’t allow room for love and, ““I don’t personally trust any revolution where love is not

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