Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou

*This image was borrowed form www.geocities.com/msjeannaculp/ fairuse.html

Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 4, 1928.
She is an author, poet, historian, songwriter, playwright, dancer, stage and screen producer, director, performer, singer, and civil rights activist.
In 1959, at the request of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou became the northern coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
In 1974 and was appointed by Gerald Ford to the Bicentennial Commission and later by Jimmy Carter to the Commission for International Woman of the Year.
In 1993, Angelou wrote and delivered a poem, "On The Pulse of the Morning," at the inauguration for President Bill Clinton at his request.
She was the first black woman director in Hollywood, Angelou has written, produced, directed, and starred in productions for stage, film, and television.
She has also written and produced several prize-winning documentaries, including "Afro-Americans in the Arts," a PBS special for which she received the Golden Eagle Award.
She was twice nominated for a Tony award for acting.
Some of her works include: All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986), The Heart of a Woman (1981), Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas (1976), Gather Together in My Name (1974), and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), which was nominated for the National Book Award. Among her volumes of poetry are A Brave and Startling Truth (Random House, 1995), The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou (1994), Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now (1993), Now Sheba Sings the Song (1987), I Shall Not Be Moved (1990), Shaker, Why Don't You Sing? (1983), Oh Pray My Wings Are Gonna Fit Me Well (1975), and Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie (1971).

* The above information was taken from http://www.poets.org/poets/poets.cfm?45442B7C000C0E0D

I think the poem “Still I Rise” is about the hardships that African Americans faced and how even thought they were abused and tossed aside, they rose from the ground they was thrown to. She uses metaphors and similes as well as other literary devices to convey to the reader the depth of her sentiment in the poem. It is the sentiment that no matter how much you might try to hurt her she will rise and she will defy you and she will continue to rise. It is inspirational to read and to understand the struggle that she reflects in her work and the grace with which she seems to convey her pain and anger while bringing awareness to her readers.

-by Josefina

Creative Response

Newspaper article by Fatima

Daily News Vol. 1

Who is Maya Angelou?

Currently we are in the month of February which is honored as Black History Month. There are many programs, documentaries, and other types of celebrations taking place to honor various African-Americans. One person I would like to especially focus on is Maya Angelou who holds many titles. She is known as a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director. I personally love her poetry. My favorite poem of hers is entitled "Still I Rise". This poem is such a touching poem that always bring joy and happiness to me every time I read it. It is also loved by many but especially by many young females. This poem can change many readers objectives and perspectives on different situations dramatically. For this, Maya Angelou is recognized tremendously not only in the month of February but also everyday of the year. I hope everyone will at least take the time to read this poem or any other piece of literature written by her. It surely will change your life and bring a smile upon your face!

Journal entry by Dominique

Despite the many ways we try to disguise our pain, fears and disappointments... each time they occur its like wind chipping away at this barrier we try to desperately to uphold. They put so much effort into bringing me down, as though they get some sort of sick pleasure out of it. Yes it hurts...to know you're not wanted to succeed by someone who knows so little of you. They're born with hate and you can do nothing but accept it. When they see me fall they smile and let an evil grin play on their lips. They've won I think to myself... but this will be the last time. All you can do is taunt and try to manipulate my mind. Laugh in my face and hurl the deadliest of insults... my spirit, yes my spirit they cannot touch. From the ashes of their negativity I will rise like the phoenix shedding light on those who have lost hope.

Letter to the author by Josefina

Dear Maya Angelou,

I recently studied your poem, “Still I rise”, and it found it profoundly inspiring. It is a passionate and encouraging piece of work. It is so inspiring to read through your words all that African Americans have suffered and how they still prevail. I think it does not only apply to African Americans but to anyone that has been discriminated against and managed to stand from the ground, to turn the other cheek, and grin at the sight of their oppressors. Further more I would like to inquire you on your feelings about the new advances that have been made toward overall equality between races and ethnicities alike.

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