REMEMBERING Marguerite Annie Johnson, also known as Maya Angelou, was born on April 4, 1928. She was born in
St. Louis, Missouri. Angelou is known for her autobiographies, especially ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.’ Prior to becoming a poet, she was in an opera, Porgy and Bess, and a journalist. Angelou was known for focusing on themes like racism, identity,
and was open about her
personal life. Angelou was also a civil rights activist. She worked with both
Martin Luther King Jr.
and Malcolm X. She was named Wake Forest University's first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in 1982. The poet recited “On the Pulse of Morning” at Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993. Angelou had been in poor health and passed on
May 28, 2014 at the age of 86. She received numerous honors throughout her career including NAACP Image Awards, Grammys and more. Happy Birthday, Maya Angelou!