As an 18-year-old woman living in San Diego, Maya Angelou discovered the Russian writers Dostoevsky’s Karamazov brothers, Maxim Gorki, Chekov, and Turgenev. #MayaAngelou #95Facts

In 1943 at the age of 17, Maya Angelou worked as a cook at the Creole Café in San Francisco, CA. A gentleman called Papa Ford, who lived at her mother’s rooming house, taught her to cook Creole dishes. #MayaAngelou #95Facts

Maya Angelou's first dance partner in San Francisco, R.L. Poole, formed the duo 'Poole and Rita,' performing at the Champagne Supper Club. Charlie Parker's 'Cool Breeze' was Angelou's preferred dance practice music. #MayaAngelou #95Facts

“Madea’s Family Reunion” (2006): Angelou played the role of May in this comedy-drama film directed by Tyler Perry.
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Angelou owned an extensive personal library, which she described as her “greatest treasure.”
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The passing of Rev. Cecil Williams, a civil & LGBT rights pioneer and brother to Dr. Maya Angelou, deeply saddens us. His work at Glide Memorial Church and his support for equality have left a lasting impact. We mourn a hero and celebrate his legacy. 🕊️❤️ #CecilWilliams

Maya Angelou recorded an album of her poetry set to music titled “Caged Bird Songs,” released posthumously in 2014.
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While raising her son, Angelou was a feature editor for The African Review, a freelance writer for the Ghanaian Times, wrote and broadcast for Radio Ghana, and worked and performed for Ghana’s National Theatre. #MayaAngelou #95Facts

Angelou preferred writing in hotel rooms, starting at 6:30 AM. 'I lie across the bed, my elbow rough with callouses. I never let them change the bed because I never sleep there.' #MayaAngelou #95Facts

Our condolences from Dr. Maya Angelou's estate as we bid farewell to Faith Ringgold, a pioneering artist. Born Faith Willi Jones, she addressed race, gender, and social justice. Let's honor her legacy by championing equality and empowerment with art. Rest in power, Faith Ringgold

Angelou directed the Broadway play “Cabaret for Freedom” in 1964, a benefit performance for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
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Maya Angelou served on presidential committees for Gerald Ford in 1975 and Jimmy Carter in 1977. Ford appointed her to the American Revolution Bicentennial Council, and Carter to the National Commission on the Observance of International Women’s Year. #MayaAngelou #95Facts

Thanksgiving was one of Dr. Maya Angelou’s favorite holidays. She hosted a multi-day celebration for many years that brought friends and family together in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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“Poetic Justice” (1993): Angelou had a supporting role as Aunt June in this romantic drama film directed by John Singleton, starring Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur.
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Dr. Maya Angelou, honored by President Bill Clinton with the National Medal of Arts, received recognition for her profound contributions to arts and culture. A prestigious accolade from the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts. #MayaAngelou #95Facts

She collaborated with artist Jean-Michel Basquiat on the 1993 book “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me.”
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Angelou lived in numerous places, including Ghana, Egypt, Sweden, and Ghana, due to her international experiences.
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In 1968 Maya Angelou wrote and produced a 10-part series for KQED called ‘Black Blues Blacks’. The series, which was recently restored and digitized, showcased African American culture.
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In 2015, the United States Postal Service honored Maya Angelou with a Forever Stamp featuring her image.
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The play “The Blacks: A Clown Show” was written by French dramatist Jean Genet. Angelou, however, did act in the production. She performed in the off-Broadway production of “The Blacks” in 1961, showcasing her talents as an actress
#MayaAngelou #95Facts