Maya Angelou

Angelou is known for the autobiographical writings I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) and All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986). Her volume of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Die (1971) was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, and in 1993, Angelou read her poem On the Pulse of Morning for Bill Clinton's Presidential inauguration at his request.

Throughout her life, Angelou has defied social norms. After being raped by her mother's boyfriend, she withdrew and was mute for five years. However, encouraged by her grandmother, who introduced her to literature, she gradually emerged as a talented artist. Her diverse career includes being the first black streetcar conductor in San Francisco. In 1954, Angelou turned to acting before she started writing while also working as northern coordinator and fund raiser for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. In the 1960s, Angelou began to focus on her writing and, in 1970, her first autobiographical work, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, became a bestseller and was nominated for a National Book Award. She has gone on to become one of the most prolific and widely read black women writers in the world.

Fact file

Name: Maya Angelou

Date of birth: 1928

Place of birth: St. Louis, Missouri

Education: Attended public school in Stamps, Arkansas and San Francisco, California

Similar Authors: Alice Walker, Toni Morrison

Find eBooks by Maya Angelou here