“Living well is an art that can be developed: a love of life and ability to take great pleasure from small offerings and assurance that the world owes you nothing and that every gift is exactly that, a gift.”

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.