Still She Rises: Maya Angelou's Story
Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1980 in St. Louis, Missouri. She
lived her earliest life with her grandmother in Arkansas, but returned to Missouri and her
mother at about age 7. Her mother had a boyfriend, known to her as Mr. Freeman. This man would
bring her first great life tragedy about. One day he wanted to play with her, but she soon saw
he was aroused, and refused to. That is when he raped Maya.
Her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, describes it this way:
"And then there was the pain. A breaking and entering when even the senses are torn apart. The
act of rape upon an eight-year-old body is a matter of the needle giving because the camel
can't. The child gives, because the body can, and the mind of the violator cannot.
I thought had died--I woke up in a white-walled world, and it had to be heaven. But Mr. Freeman
was there and he was washing me. His hands shook, but he held me upright in the tub and washed
my legs. 'I didn't mean to hurt you, Ritie. I didn't mean it. But don't you tell...Remember,
don't tell a soul.' "
[Maya Angelou]
Maya did tell, and a trial followed in which her rapist was sentenced to a year and a day.
However, his lawyer ("or someone") got him released. Later on, Mr. Freeman was murdered.
Feeling guilty and responsible for his death, Maya sank into silence. It wasn't until about 5
years later that a teacher reached down into Maya by introducing her to poetry, that Maya began
her healing path, and to speak again.
After many trials -- teen pregnancy being one of them, Maya became a prolific and talented poet
and writer. She joined the fight for civil rights; and inspired many CSA survivors through I
Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and other books.
[Her book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, was a major trigger for me in junior high. I
read it in 8th grade without anyone, especially my teachers, knowing that I was a survivor. The
experience was a painful one, but an energizing one. One that would start me on my road to
healing. I would recommend reading this book if you are a CSA survivor!]
Sources:
(Excerpts from IKWTCBS come from):
Against Our Will: Men, Women, and Rape by Susan Brownmiller
Websites:
http://www.daughters-sisters.org/8_interviews/mayaAngelou.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Angelou
Links:
Official Maya Angelou Website
As Waters Passing By > Notable Survivors > Maya Angelou