Maya Angelou (1928–2014) was an iconic poet, author, activist, and performer whose life and work left an indelible mark on literature, civil rights, and cultural history. Maya Angelou, also known as Marguerite Annie Johnson, was born in St. Louis, Missouri; Angelou endured significant hardships during her childhood, including trauma, racial discrimination, and a period of selective mutism. Yet, these challenges became the foundation of her unparalleled ability to tell stories with raw authenticity and deep compassion.
