Maya Angelou was a highly influential and acclaimed American author, poet, actress, singer, and civil rights activist. Her life and work spanned several decades and encompassed a wide range of artistic and social contributions. Here are some key points about Maya Angelou:1. **Early Life:** Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, as Marguerite Annie Johnson. She faced a challenging childhood, including the separation of her parents, and she was subjected to racial discrimination and sexual abuse.2. **Early Writing and Performance:** Angelou's love for literature and the arts began at a young age. She wrote poetry and performed in various plays and musicals during her teenage years.3. **"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings":** In 1969, Angelou published her first autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." This groundbreaking work candidly addressed themes of racism, sexual abuse, and self-identity. It became a best-seller and is a seminal text in American literature.4. **Autobiographical Works:** Angelou went on to write a series of autobiographical works that detailed her life experiences and personal growth. These books, including "Gather Together in My Name" and "Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas," continued to receive critical acclaim.5. **Poetry:** Angelou was a prolific poet and is best known for her collection "And Still I Rise," which includes the famous poem of the same name. Her poetry often explored themes of resilience, identity, and hope.6. **Civil Rights Activism:** Angelou was deeply involved in the civil rights movement and worked alongside prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She was the Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and participated in various civil rights demonstrations.7. **Inaugural Poem:** In 1993, Maya Angelou became the first African American and the first woman to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration. She delivered her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Bill Clinton's inauguration.8. **Acting and Directing:** Angelou also had a career in acting, appearing in numerous films, plays, and television series. She directed her first feature film, "Down in the Delta," in 1998.9. **Honors and Awards:** Throughout her life, Angelou received numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and several honorary degrees from universities.10. **Legacy:** Maya Angelou's work and legacy continue to inspire and resonate with people around the world. Her contributions to literature, civil rights, and the arts are celebrated for their powerful and timeless messages of hope, resilience, and the importance of self-expression.Maya Angelou's ability to use her personal experiences to create literature that touches the hearts of readers and addresses important social issues has made her a beloved and influential figure in American and world literature. Her work has left an enduring impact on literature, civil rights, and the pursuit of social justice.
Measures 7 inches.

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.