1. Prominent African American Project Maya Angelou By (Insert Student Name) Ms. Brady/ELA Grade 5 Oakwood Avenue Community School March 20, 2015

2. Brief Biography Maya Angelou was born as Marguerite Johnson on April 4th, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. After struggling through exceptional hardships in her youth she rose above the horror of racisms, violence and daily struggle. She survived first-hand experience with racism, single parenting, over-coming poverty, and seeking higher education. She dropped out of high school at 14 years old to support her new son. Through epic determinism and a fierce survival instinct she went on to became one of the most influential voices of the century through the power of her words. She earned over 50 honorary doctorate degrees by virtue of her world renowned poetry, producer, actress, filmmaker, historian and civil rights activist

3. Significance of Her Contribution Maya Angelou’s contributions are significant as they run the gamut from poetry, novels, film, dance, music, education, civil rights and much more. Her legacy resonates today particularly within the African American community. A quick synopsis of some of her most popular works describe her personal struggles, heartbreak, strength of character and faith to overcome enormous obstacles.

4. Significance of Her Contribution These works include: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1970), - It describes Angelou's life up to age sixteen, providing a child's point of view about the confusing world of adults. The book concludes with Angelou having regained her self-esteem and caring for her newborn son. In addition to being a sharp account of an African American girl's coming of age, this work offers insights into the social and political climate of the 1930s. Gather Together in My Name (1974), covers the period immediately after the birth of her son Guy and describes her struggle to care for him as a single parent. The Heart of A Woman (1981) shows the mature Angelou becoming more comfortable with her creativity and her success. All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986) recalls her four-year stay in Ghana. Angelou wrote about other subjects as well, including a children's book entitled Kofi and His Magic (1996).

5. Why I chose Maya Angelou? I chose Maya Angelou as my person to celebrate in my Prominent African American report because as a teacher I find inspiration in the power of her words each day. Understanding the right way to say something to a student in a language that they will connect with is a delicate and continuing developing skill. Although I have significant higher education, literary skill and professional experience I too am at a loss at times for words. Perusing through the book of her poems on my desk each day is an endless resource of soulful, kind, and delicate words that resonate with me as well as my students. I am forever indebted to her example of strength and dignity.

6. Motivational Quote

7. This quote is inspirational to me particularly as a teacher. I often remind students of the power of their words and the need to build their vocabulary reservoirs to draw upon each day. Words have power and once they are said they may not be remembered but it’s the influence of those words on the person they were directed towards that is significant. A dismissive word can be crippling in its content and in how it is said. Conversely, a kind word, a positive word, a caring word can dramatically turn a bad day into a better day. I am forever energized and determined by the simple reading of Maya’s words each day to ensure that each day I reinforce the positivity and inspiration that gift of each day brings. What Does This Quote Mean to Me?

8. Sources: http://mayaangelou.com/ http://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/interviews /article/5421/Dr-Maya-Angelou-Poet/ http://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/interviews /article/5421/Dr-Maya-Angelou-Poet/ I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1970) The Complete and Collected Poems of Maya Angelou (1994)