Listen to Dr. Maya Angelou's take on creative writing
Listen to Dr. Maya Angelou as she describes the challenges she faced as a writer and the process behind creating literature.
Maya Angelou's missed opportunity to work with Pearl Bailey
As a single mother, Maya Angelou struggled to provide for her son. An opportunity to perform with Pearl Bailey would've meant a regular income and less time on the road, but unfortunately Maya was not given the job.
Hear how Maya Angelou met Tupac Shakur for the first time
Without realizing it, Maya Angelou met Tupac Shakur, and the two ended up sharing a powerful moment together.
Learn about Norman Lear's friendship with Dr. Maya Angelou
Learn how Norman Lear struck up a friendship with Dr. Maya Angelou. In this video, he shares his respect for Dr. Angelou's character and work, and talks about the time his family spent with her.
Go behind the scenes with John Singleton
John Singleton shares why he believes Dr. Angelou's story is so important in this behind-the-scenes footage from "American Masters - Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise."
Learn why Maya Angelou signed with Porgy and Bess
Dr. Maya Angelou started her career in singing and dancing and eventually signed a contract with Porgy and Bess in order to further her career. Learn more about her time with the company in this video.
See Maya Angelou's early performances in the Bay Area
Maya Angelou transitioned from dancing to singing early in her career, focusing on Calypso-style music while working in the Bay Area.
Behind the Scenes: Common, Rita Coburn-Whack & Maya Angelou
Rita Coburn-Whack, co-director of American Masters - Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, originally introduced Maya Angelou and Common, who continued to work together and collaborate as writers and artists.
Maya Angelou On Teaching
Maya Angelou speaks about her work as a teacher and what inspired her to give back to students.
Maya Angelou & James Baldwin
Maya Angelou, Lou Gossett Jr., and Guy Johnson speak about James Baldwin.
Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise - Trailer
This unprecedented film celebrates Dr. Maya Angelou by weaving her words with rare and intimate archival photographs and videos, which paint hidden moments of her exuberant life during some of America’s most defining moments. From her upbringing in the Depression-era South to her work with Malcolm X in Ghana, the film takes us on an incredible journey through the life of a true American icon.
PBS Previews: Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise
Take a behind-the-scenes look at "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise." Hear from Dr. Angelou's grandson, Colin Johnson and the series producer, Michael Kantor. Actor Louis Gossett, Jr. also weighs in, along with Actress Diahann Carroll, Professor Eugene Redmond, hip-hop artist Common, former-President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Actress Alfre Woodard.
Dr. Maya Angelou's Inspiration and Poetry
Learn how Dr. Maya Angelou began writing and reading poetry as a child.
Louis Gossett Jr. shares a story about his great-grandmother
Louis Gossett Jr. shares a story about an inspiring woman in his life: his great-grandmother. Join us in celebrating the powerful, creative and innovative women in our lives. Inspiring Woman is a year-long online campaign based on themes central to Dr. Angelou’s life: artistic expression, academic success, active community engagement and acceptance of difference.
See Behind the Scenes of Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise
Filmmakers Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn-Whack share some of the inspiration and process that went into making the film Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise.
August Wilson and African American Culture
Tony-award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson, now directing the Broadway premiere of August Wilson's "Jitney," speaks of Wilson as a lion, bringing the African American experience out of the periphery and into the center of the discussion.
August Wilson's Timeless Work
Tony-award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson, now directing the Broadway premiere of August Wilson's "Jitney," shares why Wilson's work is so timeless and universal.
The Essential Ingredients for an August Wilson Play
Tony-award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson, now directing the Broadway premiere of August Wilson's "Jitney," shares what he feels are the essential ingredients for any August Wilson play.
American Masters Launches "Inspiring Woman"
Nominate an Inspiring Woman and join us in celebrating the powerful, creative and innovative women in our lives. Inspiring Woman is a social campaign built around two groundbreaking American Masters documentaries – Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise and Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart.
Sidney Lumet Recalls Working with Walter Cronkite
Sidney Lumet speaks about his work adapting the radio show "You Are There" for television. Working with Walter Cronkite, Lumet directed a news show that covered major historical events in a modern way.
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