An amazing poet, author, historian, singer, dancer, actress and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou has remained a solid rock throughout her many endeavors. Although deceased now, Maya Angelou’s work continues to move me in a positive direction. Her words, whether expressed orally or on page, continue to promote self-examination, equality and friendship. The amazing words in her poem have allowed me to believe that, “we are more alike than unalike.” She reminds others that with all of the oppression, violence and ignorance within the world, we must all remain as one, and still we must rise.
From the uplifting lyrics in her songs, to the hard truths provided in her poems, I am one of many who can testify that the works of Maya Angelou has molded my life experiences in a positive way. Because of her, I participate in many community service activities and school clubs, recognizing that these two are amongst many of the great ways we, as humans, can come together and make a change.
Many of the diverse experiences I am exposed to today would not have come to life if it did not start with the non-stop acts of peace and equality that Martin Luther King Jr. worked so hard to achieve. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as many others, worked day and night for a considerable amount of time trying to integrate humans of varying races. Many times he walked in protest, spoken in front of large audiences, was jailed and mocked tirelessly by many who thought of African Americans as sub-human.
Many times Martin Luther King Jr. succeeded to integrate public bathrooms, restrooms as well as classrooms. These great efforts by past civil rights activist have been done so that generations to come would not have to deal with the same torment, but instead would be allowed equal rights and opportunities. Because of Martin Luther King Jr., I have been allowed to receive an education equal to my white counterparts, the right to vote, freedom of speech and expression. I can now continue the dream that Martin Luther King Jr. once had about hopeful America. I can now dream about my future knowing that I will have the opportunity to go to college and become the strong, fearless, African American female I aspire to be.
When it comes to the benefits I have gained from the trailblazers of African American decent, the list goes on. However, the benefits I have received from the past and current trailblazers are double the amount. Their courageous efforts and acts of kindness are things that will always be kept near and dear to my heart.
I will forever feel indebted to the trailblazers of African American decent who have come before me to light afire the trail I have been blessed enough with the opportunity to walk upon.
A Personal Narrative About the Impact That the Pieces by Maya Angelou Have Made. (2022, Dec 13). Retrieved from https://paperap.com/a-personal-narrative-about-the-impact-that-the-pieces-by-maya-angelou-have-made/