Maya Angelou’s Years as a Prostitute Were Not a Big Deal Because She Told the Truth on Herself in Her Book, “Gather Together in My Name” (We encourage all people to tell the truth on themselves and they will be amazed at how God and others will not make a big deal out of it.)

A young, beautiful Maya Angelou with Langston Hughes, not long after her career as a sex worker.

Dr. Maya Angelou was as fine as they come in her youth. In the photo above, writer Langston Hughes was just one of a whole lot of dudes anxious to be in her company. Always introduced with the greatest respect, whether in the presence of dignitaries such as Bill Clinton or Barack Obama; or the Hollywood elite such as Oprah Winfrey or Tyler Perry, when Maya Angelou spoke in that slow, studied, and deliberate manner – her voice alone demanded to be listened to; and her wisdom was never questioned.

Dr. Angelou was lauded as the epitome of what every woman should aspire to emulate in life: a best selling author, accomplished speaker sought after by presidents and other dignitaries, a spiritual mother to all, and a mentor and best friend to the one and only Oprah Winfrey.

Her passing on May 28 at the age of 86 shocked the world and the author of “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” garnered such an outpouring of grief that the top trending hashtag honored her as it read #ripmayaangelou.

But it is surprising that one aspect of this magnificent black woman’s life has been so downplayed. The fact that she once worked in the sex industry seems to remain a guarded secret as the history of her life is now put on display.

Were it anyone else, this area of employment would most likely be a big deal, but anyone else is not Maya Angelou.

Dr. Angelou herself says she was never ashamed. She had her reasons for making sure that young people in particular knew about her work as a prostitute.

I wrote about my experiences because I thought too many people tell young folks, “I never did anything wrong. Who, Moi? – never I. I have no skeletons in my closet. In fact, I have no closet.” They lie like that and then young people find themselves in situations and they think, “Damn I must be a pretty bad guy. My mom or dad never did anything wrong.” They can’t forgive themselves and go on with their lives. So I wrote the book Gather Together in My Name [about her past as a sex worker]. [source]

Click here to read more.

SOURCE: EUR This N That