And Still I Rise

Synopsis

The classic collection of poetry from the author of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS.

'A brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman' BARACK OBAMA

Maya Angelou's poetry - lyrical and dramatic, exuberant and playful - speaks of love, longing, partings; of Saturday night partying, and the smells and sounds of Southern cities; of freedom and shattered dreams.

'She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace . . . She will always be the rainbow in my clouds' OPRAH WINFREY

'She was important in so many ways. She launched African American women writing in the United States. She was generous to a fault. She had nineteen talents - used ten. And was a real original. There is no duplicate' TONI MORRISON

Summary

Chapter 1: The Beginning

And Still I Rise is an autobiography by renowned poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou. In the first chapter, Angelou introduces her early life in Stamps, Arkansas, where she was raised by her grandmother, Momma. She describes her childhood as one of poverty and discrimination, but also of strength and resilience.

Real Example:

"I was born in a small town in Arkansas. My grandmother raised me and my brother. We were poor, but we were loved. And we were taught to be proud of who we are."

Chapter 2: The Awakening

Angelou's adolescence is marked by a profound awakening to the injustices faced by African Americans in the Jim Crow South. She witnesses firsthand the brutality of racism, including the lynching of a black man named Big Guy. These experiences shape her understanding of the world and her determination to fight for equality.

Real Example:

"I remember the day I saw Big Guy hanging from a tree. I was 10 years old. It was the first time I understood the real meaning of racism."

Chapter 3: The Journey

After graduating from high school, Angelou leaves Stamps to pursue her education and career. She faces numerous obstacles along the way, including discrimination, poverty, and personal setbacks. However, she refuses to give up and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Real Example:

"I've had to overcome a lot in my life. I've been discriminated against, I've been poor, I've been divorced. But I never gave up on my dreams."

Chapter 4: The Voice

Angelou's writing career takes off after she meets a young editor named Robert Loomis. He encourages her to share her experiences and stories, and she publishes her first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The book becomes a critical and commercial success, establishing Angelou as a powerful voice for her people.

Real Example:

"Robert Loomis was the one who believed in me. He encouraged me to write my first book, and it changed my life."

Chapter 5: The Legacy

And Still I Rise is a testament to Angelou's indomitable spirit and her unwavering commitment to social justice. It is a story of triumph over adversity, resilience in the face of discrimination, and the transformative power of hope and perseverance.

Real Example:

"I've been blessed to have a long and successful career. But I'm most proud of the work I've done to fight for equality and justice."