Maya Angelou (1928-2014)
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
Important Work: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969)
Excerpt from her book: "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."
life & impact
Maya Angelou was born in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. She had a difficult childhood but found comfort in books and writing. As she grew up, she became a singer, dancer, and actress, but her true passion was storytelling. She wrote I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, a powerful book about her early life, which became one of the most famous autobiographies in American history. Her writing gave a voice to Black women and inspired people around the world.
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Angelou was not just a writer—she was also a poet, teacher, and civil rights activist. She worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X to fight for justice and equality. Her poetry, like her famous poem Still I Rise, spoke about strength, hope, and overcoming challenges. She was known for her wise words and inspiring speeches that encouraged people to believe in themselves and never give up.
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In 1993, Maya Angelou became the first Black woman to read a poem at a U.S. presidential inauguration. She continued to write and speak until her death in 2014. Today, she is remembered as one of the greatest writers and leaders of her time. Her words continue to inspire people to be strong, proud, and hopeful no matter what challenges they face.