And Still I Rise

 And Still I Rise

Introduction

In 1978, the literary world witnessed yet another powerful milestone in Maya Angelou’s career with the release of her third volume of poetry, And Still I Rise. Published by Random House, this collection arrived during one of the most creatively rich and productive periods in Angelou’s life. By this time, she had already penned three bestselling autobiographies and two poetry collections, marking her place as a commanding voice in both prose and verse.

Although Angelou is most widely celebrated for her autobiographies especially the groundbreaking I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings she always identified first as a poet and playwright. From the outset of her writing journey, Angelou developed a unique rhythm of alternating between autobiography and poetry, allowing her to tell her story through both narrative and lyrical forms.

 Inside the Collection

And Still I Rise is composed of 32 compact and powerful poems, thoughtfully grouped into three sections. These poems pulse with messages of hope, resilience, and self-empowerment, echoing many of the same themes that run through her earlier autobiographical works.

Among the standout pieces in the collection are two of Angelou’s most beloved poems:

• "Still I Rise", a defiant anthem of unshakable spirit

• "Phenomenal Woman", a bold celebration of feminine confidence and dignity

Through these poems and others, Angelou gives voice not only to her personal experiences, but also to the collective struggles and strengths of the Black community, particularly Black women. She speaks with clarity and pride about overcoming oppression, reclaiming identity, and owning one’s worth in the face of systemic adversity.

References

“And Still I Rise.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, last edited May 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/And_Still_I_Rise