(1928-2014) – Author

Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Annie Johnson, was an African-American memoirist, poet and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies and television shows spanning over fifty years. She received dozens of awards. She is best known for her series of autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of seventeen and brought her international recognition and acclaim. She was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem ‘On the Pulse of Morning’ (1993) at the first inauguration of US President Bill Clinton. 

Maya Angelou’s writing and personal insights have been inspirational to me throughout my life. Her ability to overcome childhood abuse further inspired me growing up.

Lucy Davies

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Angelou