Maya Angelou

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Maya Angelou stands as a towering figure in American literature and civil rights history. She was the first African American woman to have a non-fiction bestseller with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Her achievement of receiving three Grammy Awards for spoken word albums in a single year remains a unique feat in the industry. Being the first poet to perform at a presidential inauguration since Robert Frost in 1961 highlighted her national significance. Over 50 honorary degrees underscored her academic influence, while the Presidential Medal of Freedom represented the highest civilian honor in the United States. Her ability to blend artistry with activism created a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

AwardsMaya Angelou received dozens of awards throughout her illustrious career. She won three Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word Album in 1994 for Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie, Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women, and Still I Rise. In 2000, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush. In 2010, President Barack Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She also received the PEN Center USA West Literary Award, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and the American Book Award. Her contributions to the arts were further recognized with over 50 honorary degrees from prestigious institutions.

Honours & Distinctions

Reynolds Professorship

Wake Forest University·1982

First person to hold this chair in American Studies

Poet Laureate of Virginia

Commonwealth of Virginia·2008

First poet laureate appointed in the state

National Women's Hall of Fame

National Women's Hall of Fame·1997

Inducted for contributions to women's history

Guinness World Record

Guinness World Records·1990

Recognized for the number of honorary degrees received by a living person

Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Prize

King Center·1994

Awarded for contributions to civil rights

MacArthur Fellowship

MacArthur Foundation·1993

Received the "Genius Grant" for creative work

Rankings & Lists

#100

100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century

TIME Magazine·1999

50 Greatest Poets of All Time

Rolling Stone·2020

Books That Shaped America

Library of Congress·2007

Magazine Covers

TIME

December 31, 1999

100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century

Ebony

Various

Activism and Literary Success

Jet

Various

Milestone Celebrations

Records & Feats

First Poet at Presidential Inauguration Since 1961

Historic First·1993

Recited "On the Pulse of Morning" at Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993

Most Honorary Degrees Received by a Living Person

Academic Record·1990

Over 50 honorary degrees from universities worldwide

Three Grammys in One Year for Spoken Word

Music Record·1994

Won three Grammy Awards in 1994 for spoken word albums