(1928 - 2014)
After a childhood rape by her mother's boyfriend, Maya Angelou withdrew from family and friends and was mute for more than five years. Encouraged by her grandmother she began to foster talent as an artist through writing and acting. Her writings have won her recognition and she has been nominated for the National Book Award, a Tony Award, an Emmy Award and a Pulitzer Prize.

prominent literary works include:

interesting facts: Angelou was the first black streetcar conductor in San Francisco. in 1971, she was the first black woman to have a screenplay produced as a film (Georgia, Georgia).

it is the opinion of this noder that Maya Angelou is one of the most prominent and conscious-raising modern authors.Editors Note:

Maya Angelou was found dead by her caretaker on the morning of May 28, 2014. The cause of death has yet to be determined. She was 86 years old.