Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014) was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist whose work left a profound impact on literature and social justice. Best known for I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), she became one of the first Black women to write a bestselling autobiography, challenging racial and gender stereotypes. Over her lifetime, she published seven autobiographies, numerous poetry collections, and essays, addressing themes of identity, racism, resilience, and empowerment.
Born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Angelou faced a traumatic childhood that shaped her literary voice. She worked various jobs, including fry cook, dancer, and actress, before joining the civil rights movement. In the 1960s, she collaborated with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, living in Ghana and working as a journalist. Her global experiences deeply influenced her writing, making her a powerful advocate for Black culture.
Beyond literature, Angelou made history in 1993 by reciting On the Pulse of Morning at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration, the first such recitation since Robert Frost in 1961. She also became a respected educator, serving as a professor at Wake Forest University. Throughout her career, she received over 50 honorary degrees and numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
Angelou’s influence extended beyond literature into music, film, and activism. She broke barriers in Hollywood, wrote for television, and inspired generations with her wisdom. Her legacy remains one of courage, artistic brilliance, and social advocacy, solidifying her as one of the most influential literary voices of the 20th century.