Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Annie Johnson, was a remarkable American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She is celebrated for her series of seven autobiographies, notably I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which brought her international recognition and acclaim. This series focuses on her childhood and early adult experiences, illustrating her incredible journey from a troubled youth to a respected literary figure and activist.

Angelou's career was as diverse as her talents. She embarked on a journey through a plethora of professions before finding her calling as a writer and poet. Her early adult life included jobs as a fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, and member of the Porgy and Bess cast. She also served as a coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was a correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Her contributions were not limited to literature; Angelou was an accomplished actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs.

In 1982, Angelou became the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, she worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. In the 1990s, Angelou gained further recognition when she recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, becoming the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at John F. Kennedy's inauguration.

Angelou's works are a poignant exploration of racism, identity, family, and travel. She was a powerful voice for Black people and women, advocating for a deeper understanding and respect for Black culture. Her books, considered essential readings, have inspired countless individuals worldwide, despite facing attempts to ban them in some U.S. libraries. Angelou's legacy as a writer, poet, and activist endures, making her one of the most influential figures in American literature and civil rights history.