Moved to New York City

In 1959, Maya Angelou made a pivotal decision to move to New York City, a move encouraged by the esteemed novelist John Oliver Killens. This transition marked a significant turning point in her writing career, allowing her to immerse herself in the vibrant literary scene of Harlem. Upon her arrival, she joined the Harlem Writers Guild, an influential collective that played a crucial role in the development of African American literature. Within this dynamic group, Angelou connected with several prominent authors, including John Henrik Clarke, Rosa Guy, Paule Marshall, and Julian Mayfield. This collaboration not only enriched her writing but also provided her with the opportunity to be published for the first time. The Harlem Writers Guild served as a nurturing ground for her creativity, fostering a sense of community among writers who were dedicated to exploring and expressing the African American experience. Angelou's time in New York and her involvement with the Guild laid the foundation for her illustrious career as a writer, poet, and civil rights activist, ultimately leading to her becoming one of the most celebrated literary figures of the 20th century. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #MayaAngelou #HarlemWritersGuild #JohnOliverKillens #AfricanAmericanLiterature #NewYorkCity