Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was undoubtedly one of the most revered literary figures. The author, poet and all-around artist used her way with words as a tool to educate and empower generations, garnering the praise of prominent figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela and United States presidents. In a special Oprah’s Master Class episode, the master teacher said, “I hold nothing back because I want to see that light go off. I like to see the children say, ‘I never thought of that before.’ And I think, I’ve got them!” Maya found her voice after a traumatic childhood experience that resulted in her not talking for nearly six years. Instead, she took to writing and never stopped. Some of Dr. Angelou’s most noted works are I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Still I Rise and Phenomenal Woman. She is a Grammy winner and Medal of Freedom recipient. Maya Angelou was 86 years old when she died on May 28th.