Maya Angelou Research Paper

Maya Angelou lived life inspiring others, breaking barriers, and accomplished more than most people could ever possibly dream of. Angelou overcame tragedies no human being should ever endure. Her life is truly an inspiration to all of humanity, her drive and ambition is something every human being should strive for. Angelou was raped at seven years old by her mother’s boyfriend. When Angelou’s uncles found out they killed her mother’s boyfriend to get revenge. Understandably, Angelou was traumatized by this experience and she completely stopped talking for years. Angelou experienced severe discrimination throughout her life for being an African American women. Angelou became a mother at the age of 16 and had to work several jobs to support her son. Angelou did not let any of this stop her, through hard work and determination Angelou became a household name as a successful civil rights activist, author, poet, screenwriter, actor and dancer. (Bio, 2014) (Youth for Human Rights, 2014) Angelou was an inspiration for African Americans as she worked with Malcom X helping him build the Organization of African American Unity and also worked with Dr. Martin Luther King in the Southern Christian …show more content…
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size.” (Poem Hunter, 2014) The “pretty women” Angelou is referring to in my opinion is the women that have done everything in their power to fit into what society has defined as beautiful, but yet still do not feel beautiful. The reason they do not feel beautiful is because true confidence cannot be obtained by a haircut, excessive weight loss, or a new dress. Angelou’s secret is simply loving exactly who she is. Confidence starts with accepting yourself and loving yourself for exactly who you are, not who your particular society wants or expects you to be. Beautify is found in all shapes and sizes and in every single color. True beauty comes from within and shines