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Don’t know much about Maya Angelou? Well, you should. As one of the few masters of both art and influence, Maya Angelou’s story has had an indelible impact on the world we live in. Maya Angelou is a celebrated singer, songwriter, poet, and civil rights activist all in one. Rarely, if ever, has there been such talent and tenacity in one person. She published an array of critically acclaimed essays autobiographies, and poetry books, as well as collaborated on a series of plays, movies, and television shows over 50 years.
Below are a few of the best quotes and quips from Maya Angelou. Whether you need inspiration for yourself, wise words for social media, or motivation for your team, these quotes are sure to do the trick:
- “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou, poet, performer, and civil rights activist
- “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou
- “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” – Maya Angelou
- “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.” – Maya Angelou
- “I know for sure that loves saves me and that it is here to save us all.” – Maya Angelou
- “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” – Maya Angelou
- “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou
- “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
- “The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind.” – Maya Angelou
- “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou
Origin Story: What Maya Angelou is best known for?
Angelou may be best known for her 1969 autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. The first in a series of stories about her early life as a young African American woman overcoming racism and trauma to build great self-confidence.
“The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free.”
More about Maya Angelou
- Born in St. Louis, Missouri, USA (1928 – 2014)
- She released her first album named Miss Calypso in 1957
- She also published cookbooks: Hallelujah! The Welcome Table and Great Food, All Day Long
- She was Emmy nominated for her work on the TV mini-series Roots
- She was nominated for a Tony for her role in the play Look Away
More Maya Angelou Quotes
Did you know?
- Maya Angelou was the first African-American woman to be a cable car conductor in San Francisco.
- At age 17, just after high school, she gave birth to her son, Guy Johnson
- She learned to speak 6 different languages – French, Spanish, Hebrew, Italian, and Fante (a dialect of Akan native to Ghana).
- At a very young age, she was sexually assaulted and she did not speak for 5 years.
- Born Marguerite Annie Johnson, her pen name is an amalgamation of her nickname as a youth and her ex-husband’s surname (Maya & Angelopulos)
Do you need more cool quotes and inspiration? Click here to get our best lists of other inspirational quotes from historic greats and modern mentors.
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