Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, born on April 4, 1928. She is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, with the first, *I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings*, published in 1969. This work highlights her early life experiences, including racism and trauma, and is celebrated for its powerful storytelling and exploration of identity. In addition to her writing, Angelou was involved in the civil rights movement, working alongside leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, recognizing her contributions to literature and social justice.