Maya
Angelou

Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist whose indomitable spirit and eloquent words touched the souls of millions around the globe. Overcoming a tumultuous childhood marked by trauma and prejudice, she rose to prominence with her groundbreaking autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," which was not just an intimate examination of her own life but also a poignant commentary on race, identity, and womanhood in America.

Angelou was not confined to one artistic endeavor; she was a versatile talent, delving into acting, directing, and producing in film and television. Her poetic works, filled with profound insights and lyrical beauty, have become staples in literature classes and households alike. An ardent supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, Angelou worked alongside leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, ensuring her voice and her message were heard loud and clear during pivotal moments in American history. On May 28, 2014, the world mourned the loss of this cultural icon when she passed away, but her legacy remains immortalized in her vast body of work and in the hearts of those she inspired.