What does 'Still I Rise' by Maya Angelou mean?

When read by those who understand the meaning of repeated wrongdoing, the poem becomes a kind of anthem, a beacon of hope for the oppressed and ... Still I Rise. You may write me down in history. With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt. But still, like dust, I'll rise. read more

African American poet Maya Angelou (1928–2014) “Still I Rise” is a contemporary expression of identity in a modern American society where the African American feels that identity must be earned through sheer force of individuality. read more

Still I Rise is a powerful, empowering poem all about the struggle to overcome prejudice and injustice. It is one of Maya Angelou's most popular poems. When read by those who understand the meaning of repeated wrongdoing, the poem becomes a kind of anthem, a beacon of hope for the oppressed and downtrodden. read more