Influences on Maya Angelou

Influences on Maya Angelou Maya Angelou, the author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was a young influential black girl in Stamps, Arkansas. The three most remarkable people in Maya’s life were Bailey, Vivian Baxter, and Grandmother Henderson. Bailey, her brother, was there for her when she needed someone, and Vivian Baxter taught her how to express herself. Grandmother Henderson was the person who always supported Maya Angelou and taught her almost everything she knows. Bailey was someone Ms. Angelou could always count on. He would steal candy from the store just to spoil his sister that he loved so much. During school when children would pick on her or call her names, Bailey was right there to stand up for her. He was the high rise in her bridge of support. They shared a connection that would withstand a hurricane and everything between them would be okay right after. Ms. Angelou’s birth mother Vivian Baxter was a huge part of her life. Towards the beginning Ms. Angelou thought that her mother had abandoned her and was unwanted by her own mother. By the time Maya was old enough to visit her birth mother, Vivian did not accept Maya Angelou the first time they met. Over time they grew a strong connection and Ms. Angelou finally got the closure with her mother that she needed. By Vivian going back to Ms. Angelou, it showed that her mother actually cared for her and brought her great joy! Finally, Grandmother Henderson was Ms. Angelou’s North Star when she was lost in the game of life. Momma Henderson raised Maya, nourished, and cherished every moment with her. Momma Henderson brought Maya to know how to respect herself and that it is a huge part of her life. Maya knew that Momma Henderson was her mentor and only strived to give her the best. Maya was taught her religious aspects by Momma Henderson as well, and her religion helped guide her throughout her trials and tribulations. The combination of these three huge idols in Maya’s life helped her become