While Maya Angelou wrote her classic poem in 1978, the poem’s message continues to speak to readers today. Since its publication, it has been featured in various forms of media and recited by many famous figures—including Angelou herself. The poet considered this poem her personal story and was known to recite it often in public. Oprah Winfrey considers Angelou her mentor and paid homage to her by reciting the poem for her inspirational Super Soul Sunday program in 2018.
“Phenomenal Woman” was also featured in the 1993 movie, Poetic Justice. In the movie, the title character—an African-American poet played by Janet Jackson—recites the verse among many other Angelou poems. Angelou in fact wrote all of the poems featured in the film, and she even played a small role. Her words express the passion and self-discovery of the film’s titular character.
Perhaps the most prominent use of the poem was in a 2017 ad campaign by the British women’s empowerment organization, This Girl Can. In the advertisement, various women of all different walks of life are shown participating in different sports while Angelou recites the poem in voiceover. As the organization celebrates the power of women and encourages them to be their best, the poem is a fitting choice for conveying such a message.
As modern-day feminists continue to fight for women’s rights and living their best lives just as Angelou did during her lifetime, “Phenomenal Woman” serves as an anthem for female empowerment and a reminder that women are amazing and capable of achieving anything they want.
