Maya Angelou is hailed as a global renaissance woman, poet, novelist, memoirist, educator, dramatist, producer, historian, actress, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4th, 1928. She was raised in St. Louis and Stamps Arkansas. She experienced the brutality of racial discrimination in Stamps. She also absorbed the unshakable faith and values of traditional African-American families, communities, and culture.
In 1954 and 1955 she toured Europe with a production called Porgy and Bess. She studied dance with Martha Grahamm, danced with Alvin Ailey on television. Calypso Lady was her first album in 1957. The University of Ghana's School of Music and Drama is where she taught. In 1964 when she lived in Ghana's she met Malcome X. She came with him to help him build the Organization of African American Unity. After she arrived Malcome X was assasinated ant the organization dissolved. After the assination she was asked to serve as the Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Then he was assasinated on her birthday in 1968. Maya Angelou was mentioned in Speak because she was an important figure in history. Melinda and Maya Angelou have things in common. They both experienced things that will probably stress them for life. Maya Angelou fought for civil rights. Melinda fought with out speaking. Maya had some problems in life just like Melinda does.
In conclusion, Maya Angelou helped fight for civil rights. Melinda fought for her civil rights by not speaking. Maya Angelou was mentioned in the book because she was imporant to history and had problems but not as bad as Melinda.Thats why she was mentioned in the book Speak. Also what she has to do with the book.