"A Song Flung Up to Heaven" is an autobiographical book written by Maya Angelou, published in 2002. It is the sixth installment in Maya Angelou's series of autobiographical works, which began with "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."
In "A Song Flung Up to Heaven," Maya Angelou continues to chronicle her life and experiences as she navigates through the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by significant social and political changes in the United States. The book covers Angelou's return to the United States from Ghana, where she had lived for several years, her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, and her interactions with notable figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.
The title of the book is taken from a line in James Weldon Johnson's poem "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black National Anthem, which emphasizes resilience, hope, and the power of music and words to uplift and inspire.
Throughout the narrative, Angelou reflects on her personal growth, struggles, triumphs, and the ways in which she continues to find her voice as a writer, activist, and artist. She provides insights into her relationships, her commitment to social justice, and her journey toward self-discovery.
As with Angelou's other autobiographical works, "A Song Flung Up to Heaven" combines poignant storytelling with poetic language, offering readers a window into the experiences of an iconic African American writer and her observations of the world around her during a pivotal period in history.
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