Why Is Maya Angelou So Important?

Poet, dancer, singer, activist, and scholar Maya Angelou was a world-famous author.

She was best known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style.

She was the first female inaugural poet in U.S. presidential history. In 1993 Angelou recited her poem, “On the Pulse of Morning,” for President Bill Clinton’s inauguration.

She became the first African American poet and first female poet to participate in a recitation for a U.S. president’s inauguration.

Never hesitant to speak her mind, Angelou passionately defended the rights of women, young people and the ignored.

She effortlessly traversed the worlds of literature and activism, becoming a confidante to the original civil rights leaders, their successors and the current generation.

She was a person who looked for the positive and never gave up. Her ability to stay strong throughout the early years of her life made her a hero.

In 1969, Angelou published I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, an autobiography of her early life.

Her tale of personal strength amid childhood trauma and racism resonated with readers and was nominated for the National Book Award.

Many schools sought to ban the book for its frank depiction of sexual abuse, but it is credited with helping other abuse survivors tell their stories.

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” has been translated into numerous languages and has sold over a million copies worldwide.