The second female African American role model in Maya’s life is her actual mother, Vivian. In the beginning of the novel it seems as if Maya’s mother is absent. In fact, Maya and her brother believe that their mother is dead until one Christmas presents show up from their mother. When Maya and Bailey see their mother for the first time, they realize that see is absolutely beautiful. Maya even goes as far as to say that Vivian was too beautiful to be a mother. Vivian is a very strong willed person, this is because she comes from of mean family of organized crime. She loves her children, but no one crosses her. There are two instances in the novel where she almost kills someone, this proves her ruthlessness. She also provides for her children,