Maya Angelou who was born Marguerite Ann Johnson is a world famous author and poet. She has published several books of poetry, seven autobiographies and five books of essays.  Her books focus on her travels, racism, identity, and her life.  She has received a myriad of awards and honorary doctoral degrees (over thirty) for her work.

Her first autobiography publication, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” marked Maya as one of the first African American women to speak publicly regarding the trials of their life. Maya is a well regarded spokesperson of Black people and women, her work is considered a defense of Black culture.  Maya’s major works have been labeled autobiographical fiction, but many critics have characterized them as autobiographies.