Maya Angelou is a survivor and one of the greatest poets of our time. She is an example of great courage and inspiration.

Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri.

She was a victim of rape at the age of 7 and she spent 5 years refusing to speak to anyone but her brother.

In 1945 she graduated from high school and became a single mother.

In 1961 Maya moved with her family to Africa for 5 years, where she worked as an editor and assistant administrator. In 1969 her first book was published,"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."
From that point on her poetry and novels were published at an astounding rate. In 1976 she was selected by Ladies Home Journal as Woman of the Year in Communications.
Her personal outreach to improve conditions for women in Third World, primarily in Africa, has helped change the live thousands less privileged. Here is where she gives with all her heart and soul.

Autobiographical books:
All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes
The Heart of a Woman
Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas
Gather Together in My Name
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Some of her Poetry:
A Brave and Startling Truth
The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou
Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now
Now Sheba Sings the Song
I Shall Not Be Moved
Shaker
Why Don't You Sing?
Oh Pray My Wings Are Gonna Fit Me Well