“For a person who grew up in the '30s and '40s in the segregated South, with so many doors closed without explanation to me, libraries and books said, 'Here I am, read me.' Over time I have learned I am at my best around books.”

American memoirist, essayist, poet, and civil rights activist

Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, essayist, poet, and civil rights activist. Her work spans more than 50 years, and she is best known for a series of autobiographies that began with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in 1969. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and her credits also include plays, films, and television shows. The autobiographical books focus on her childhood and early adult life, especially the first volume, which takes her story to age 17 and brought her international recognition. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees.