American memoirist and poet
Maya Angelou was a celebrated poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist whose works, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, powerfully explore themes of resilience, identity, and the beauty of the Black experience. Her legacy endures as an inspiration to generations seeking courage and truth.
"We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated."
Maya Angelou was a celebrated poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist whose works, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, powerfully explore themes of resilience, identity, and the beauty of the Black experience. Her legacy endures as an inspiration to generations seeking courage and truth.
Maya Angelou born Marguerite Annie Johnson; April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014) was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou's series of seven autobiographies focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood.
