Maya Angelou: A Life of Influence

Maya Angelou, a renowned American writer and orator, is celebrated for her contributions to literature and her role in challenging social and political inequalities. Her early career in performance arts enriched her ability to connect with audiences. Angelou's literary works, including her bestseller 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,' brought black feminism into the mainstream. She was part of a generation of black writers who used art to empower and inspire hope. Angelou's legacy is marked by her authenticity and dedication to using her voice for the greater good.

What qualities does the speaker strive to embody in interactions with others?

• Indifference, aloofness, and detachment

• Kindness, fairness, generosity, respect, and courtesy

• Humility, patience, tolerance, and passivity

• Ambition, determination, competitiveness, and assertiveness

What was Maya Angelou widely known for?

• Her achievements in sports

• Her work as a scientist

• Her writing and oratory skills

• Her career in politics

Which early experiences helped Maya Angelou connect with her audience?

• Her time as a chef

• Her work as a teacher

• Her professional dancing and singing on the Calypso circuit

• Her career as a lawyer

Who were some of the influential figures Maya Angelou was associated with?

• Albert Einstein and Marie Curie

• Malcolm X and Barack Obama

• Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres

• Steve Jobs and Bill Gates

What did Maya Angelou achieve as a writer and poet?

• She invented a new form of dance

• She became a renowned athlete

• She found her voice and articulated the struggles and hopes of the African American community

• She became a famous scientist

Which book by Maya Angelou broke black feminism into the mainstream?

• Beloved

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

• Their Eyes Were Watching God

• The Bluest Eye

What was a key characteristic of the generation of black literary figures to which Maya Angelou belonged?

• They relished in their fame and fortune

• They avoided public attention

• They used art for the larger purpose of empowering others

• They focused solely on personal success

How did Maya Angelou's authenticity impact her audience?

• It alienated them

• It made her less popular

• It had no significant impact

• It brought outsiders in and helped them see a part of themselves through others' lives

What was Maya Angelou's approach to using art?

• For empowering the powerless and giving hope to the hopeless

• For entertainment only

• For personal gain

• For political propaganda

What did Maya Angelou's generation of black literary figures capture in their work?

• The evolution of fashion

• The advancements in technology

• The history of ancient civilizations

• The tribulation and promise of black life