Life and Legacy of Maya Angelou by Ashley Jackson

"Still I Rise" Live Performance

ajacks24 — 2025-02-12 17:05:37 UTC

This live performance of "Still I Rise," shows the way in which the poem was intended to be read. By showing the poem in such a way, the emotion behind the words is much more evident as opposed to the way someone may perceive it by reading it on their own. This also highlights how poems can be a performance that can evoke emotion within listeners, perhaps more than if they were just reading the poem itself. This can help students further analyze how the words on the page were meant to come off and adds further inflection they may have not realized initially.

LiteratureTodayUK. (2014, June 10). 'Still I Rise' by Maya Angelou (1987, live performance) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qviM_GnJbOM

Maya Angelou March on Washington 1963

ajacks24 — 2025-02-12 17:24:21 UTC

This photo shows Maya Angelou during the March on Washington marching at the United States embassy in solidarity with those fighting for civil rights in the United States while abroad working at the University of Ghana. Teachers can use this to show her work of being an activist along with a poet. They can also use this to highlight what she was truly passionate about; Even if she could not be there in person, she wanted to show support in the best way possible and that was by marching at the embassy.

Thresher, J. M. (Photographer). (1983).The Washington Post/Getty Images.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

ajacks24 — 2025-02-21 04:41:24 UTC

Maya Angelou's memoir, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is not only devastating but a completely and utterly inspiring read. While offering some mature themes, it can be used to encourage students to rise above their challenges and find comfort in healthy coping mechanisms such as writing and other forms of artful expression. Students (like me in high school) may read this and feel much more encouraged to get into literature having to do with "rising above" in healthy ways when things get difficult.

Angelou, M. (1969) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Random House.

"And Still I Rise" Documentary

ajacks24 — 2025-02-21 04:50:11 UTC

This was the first movie that was written about her and included true stories about her civil rights work including her work with Malcom X as well as other civil rights leaders. Teachers can use this to show as a biographical and historical introduction before getting into her works which they can then use to compare how she was shown in the documentary versus how they thought she would be simply based on writing alone.

Coburn, R., & Hercules, B. (Directors). (2016). And still I rise [Documentary]. PBS.

"Still I Rise"- Written Poem

ajacks24 — 2025-02-21 04:55:36 UTC

The poem "Still I Rise" is a classic of Maya Angelou's. Reading the poem itself offers a much different perspective than hearing it in a "slam poetry" style. Using it written down, students are also able to analyze the words at their own pace instead of having to keep up with the pace of the video. Teachers may also want students to compare and contrast the differences of the two and invite students to critically analyze the literary choices in the text to help make sense of words having specific and intended meanings.

Angelou, M. (2001). Still I Rise. Random House.

Angelou Receiving Presidential Medal of Freedom

ajacks24 — 2025-02-21 05:24:45 UTC

This video shows Maya Angelou receiving the medal of freedom from President Barack Obama. Showing Maya Angelou receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom highlights her lasting impact on literature and civil rights. This moment also provides students with a real-world example of how writers and activists can shape history, considering the fact that she is being honored decades after her most influential historical moments.

The Obama White House. (2010, February 15). Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient - Maya Angelou [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l26Uq3PX-fk

Maya Angelou's Poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Clinton's Inauguration

ajacks24 — 2025-02-21 05:34:44 UTC

Maya Angelou's performance of "On the Pulse of Morning" won a Grammy award for "Best Spoken Word Poem" and she had the ability to perform this at President Clinton's inauguration. Showing Maya Angelou performance at the inauguration gives students a chance to see poetry as a powerful part of history. Additionally, it can serve an even larger role in the classroom by highlighting themes of unity, hope, and change which can spark meaningful discussions about society and progress.

Angelou, M. (1993, January 20). On the pulse of morning - Maya Angelou [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59xGmHzxtZ4