Moved to New York City

In 1959, Maya Angelou moved to New York City at the urging of novelist John Oliver Killens, who encouraged her to concentrate on developing her writing. At the time, Angelou had been working in the performing arts as a singer, dancer, and stage performer. The relocation placed her within a vibrant literary and political environment that included writers, activists, and artists associated with Harlem’s cultural community. After arriving in New York, Angelou joined the Harlem Writers Guild, an organization founded by Killens that supported African American authors and emerging voices. Through the group, she connected with writers and intellectuals who encouraged her to refine her craft. The move also coincided with her increasing involvement in civil rights activities, including participation in cultural events supporting the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The 1959 relocation marked a transition from performance centered work toward writing, journalism, and activism. Her time in New York helped establish relationships and experiences that later informed her autobiographical writing. The shift ultimately contributed to the development of her first memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, published in 1969.