The Power and Strength of Maya's Mother in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

💪Mama is described as a tall and good-looking woman who exudes power and strength.

🙌Mama's philosophy for dealing with white people is one of avoidance, which she sees as being realistic rather than cowardice.

🏆Mama enjoys pointing out that she was the only Negro woman in stamps, defying societal expectations.

🛍️Mama's role as a store owner challenges stereotypes and demonstrates her resilience in the face of adversity.

✊Maya's generation, inspired by Mama's strength, would go on to actively pursue their rights as American citizens in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

What is Mama's philosophy for dealing with white people?

—Mama's philosophy is one of avoidance, believing it to be realistic rather than cowardice.

How does Mama challenge societal expectations?

—Mama challenges societal expectations by defying stereotypes as a tall and good-looking African American woman and as a store owner.

How does Mama's resilience impact Maya and Bailey?

—Mama's resilience inspires Maya and Bailey to actively pursue their rights as American citizens in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

What role does Mama play in the community?

—Mama is a store owner and enjoys leading hymns in the Sunday church service, contributing to the community.

What challenges did African Americans face during Mama's time?

—African Americans faced segregationist laws and policies, as well as attempts to assert white superiority through social customs and norms.

00:01[Music]

00:09In Chapter seven of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya explains the important role of her mother, Mama.

00:23Mama's presence challenges societal norms and expectations as she defies stereotypes.

00:32Maya's grandmother, Uncle Willie, and the rest of the family go to Sunday church service while Mama's third husband, Mr. Murphy, visits the general store.

00:43Angelou describes Mama as a tall and good-looking woman who exudes power and strength and enjoys leading hymns in the Sunday church service.

01:00Mama instills in Maya and Bailey her philosophy for dealing with white people, which is one of avoidance to prevent conflict.

01:27Mama's resilience and defiance of societal expectations are seen when she is referred to as 'Mrs. Henderson' in court, challenging the social custom of not using 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.' for African Americans.

01:54Mama's first marriage and upbringing took place shortly after the Civil War, during a time of white supremacy and segregationist laws.