Angelou, Maya

Angelou, Maya (1928- ), American author, poet, and entertainer best known for her strong portrayals of African-American women. Her most prominent work is her series of autobiographical novels starting with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1970), in which she describes African-American lives in witty, intelligent language thick with rhythm and texture. Much of her work stresses the themes of racism, courage, perseverance, survival, and self-acceptance.

Born Marguerite Johnson in St Louis, Missouri, on April 4, 1928, Angelou spent most of her childhood living with her grandmother in rural Arkansas. At age 16 she graduated from high school, gave birth to her son Guy, and began a series of jobs that included cook and waitress. In the 1950s she became a nightclub performer and began successful careers as singer, dancer, actress, playwright, magazine editor, civil rights activist, poet, and novelist.

Angelou has received many awards and honorary degrees. She read her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993. Her other works include Gather Together in My Name (1974), The Heart of a Woman (1981), and All God's Children Need Travelling Shoes (1986). She has also published children's books, including Life Doesn't Frighten Me (1993). Her Collected Poems were published in 1995. A collection of essays, Even the Stars Get Lonesome, was published in 1998.