Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Annie Johnson, was a prominent American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, including "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," which details her childhood and early adult experiences of racism, trauma, and resilience.

Angelou was a powerful voice in the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She used her talents as a writer and poet to shed light on the experiences of African Americans, particularly Black women, and to advocate for equality and social justice.

Throughout her life, Angelou received numerous honors and awards for her literary work and activism, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She passed away in 2014, leaving behind a lasting legacy as an iconic figure in Black history and literature.