“My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors.”

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.