Writing preserves thoughts, feelings, and emotions on paper. It can be printed into books or preserved. Writing used to be the only way to record history. Film has made it possible for the living to remember those who have passed on. Maya Angelou is known for her autobiographies and poetry. In the midst of this, she took narrative and acting roles in several films in her youth and golden years. Her voice is as memorable as Morgan Freeman. When you hear it, you know it is her. When she speaks, it is something worth listening too. As the world mourns her passing, you can celebrate her life through books, poems, movies, and documentaries. Most of the films listed are fictional works, but they are a part of her legacy. The average person is usually successful in one industry. She was able to crossover into different realms of the art world. This is why her legacy will not be forgotten.
[ New Page=10. Good Hair ]
10. Good Hair
In this film, Maya Angelou plays herself. The work explores the world of African American hairstyles. It is an HBO Film. This documentary talks about the lengths that African American women have to go through to achieve Good Hair.
[ New Page=9. As Seen Through These Eyes ]
9. As Seen Through These Eyes
Maya Angelou was the narrator for this documentary. In my opinion, it is a compliment for someone to want you to be the voice that keeps the documentary going. March of the Penguins was a popular family documentary because Morgan Freeman narrated it.
[ New Page=8. Madea’s Family Reunion ]
8.Madea’s Family Reunion
In Tyler Perry’s second motion picture, Maya Angelou plays Aunt May. She doesn’t have many lines, but her moments are powerful and direct. She even recites poetry at the wedding.
Image via Facebook from Tyler Perry
[ New Page=7. The Runaway]
7. The Runaway
This film aired on television December 10, 2010. Maya Angelou was the Conjure Woman.
[ New Page=6. Touched by an Angel ]
6. Touched by an Angel
In the “Reunion” episode, Maya Angelou was Clarice Mitchell. The episode aired November 4, 1995. It was the 2nd season and 7th episode. You can watch the full episode below.
[ New Page=5. How to Make an American Quilt ]
5. How to Make an American Quilt
The film is based on a book. It features a group of middle aged and older women. In the film, Maya Angelou is Anna. She can be a little feisty at times. The clip below is a good example.
[ New Page=4. The Journey of August King ]
4. The Journey of August King
Slavery is an uncomfortable topic in American history. This film deals with ethics and morals. Maya Angelou doesn’t have an acting role in this conflict. She is the narrator. August King has to decide between helping a 17 year old runaway slave or leaving her to her own fate.
[ New Page=3. There are No Children Here ]
3. There are No Children Here
The television movie is based on a true story. The book is about two boys coming of age in Chicago. Maya Angelou is Lelia Mae in the movie.
[ New Page=2. Poetic Justice ]
2. Poetic Justice
In this film, Maya Angelou is Aunt June. She is one of the “Calendar Sisters”. She is very opinionated in this film but her points are valid. She has a monologue about morals, which can be watched below.
[ New Page=1. Roots ]
1. Roots
Maya Angelou played a part in one of the most important historical films. She starts of in Africa with her family. In Part I she is Yaisa. In Part II, she becomes Nyo Boto.