“I'm happy to be a writer - of prose, poetry, every kind of writing. Every person in the world who isn't a recluse, hermit or mute uses words. I know of no other art form that we always use.”

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.