“Living in a state of terror was new to many white people in America, but black people have been living in a state of terror in this country for more than 400 years.”

American poet and civil rights activist, 20th century Her work spans memoir, poetry, and essays, with a focus on Black identity, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling. Known for her iconic memoir *I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings*, she also championed education and human rights through her writing and activism.