Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was a celebrated American writer, poet, and civil rights activist. Angelou's career began as a performer and director but she was best known for her autobiographical books and volumes of poetry. Among her many achievements, Angelou was also a Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. During her career, Angelou wrote 36 books. In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded Angelou with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.