Marguerite Annie Johnson was born in St. Louis. She would become Maya Angelou, one of America's most celebrated writers and voices for justice.

Her parents divorced and she was sent with her brother to live with their grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas. The segregated South shaped her early life.

During a visit to her mother, she was sexually assaulted. When her attacker was killed, she stopped speaking for nearly five years, believing her voice had caused his death.

Moved to San Francisco with her mother. She attended high school and became the first Black female cable car conductor.

Gave birth to her son Guy just weeks after high school graduation. She worked various jobs to support them both.

Married Greek sailor Tosh Angelos and began performing as a dancer. The marriage ended but inspired her stage name Maya Angelou.

Joined the touring production of 'Porgy and Bess,' traveling through Europe and Africa. The tour expanded her worldview.

Moved to New York and joined the Harlem Writers Guild. She became active in the civil rights movement and organized events for Martin Luther King Jr.

Moved to Cairo with South African freedom fighter Vusumzi Make. She worked as a journalist and editor for the Arab Observer.

Moved to Ghana where she taught at the University of Ghana and worked as a journalist. She met Malcolm X during his visits.

Published her groundbreaking autobiography 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.' It became a classic of American literature.

Wrote the screenplay for 'Georgia, Georgia,' becoming the first African American woman to have a screenplay produced.

Appointed Reynolds Professor at Wake Forest University. She held this lifetime position for over thirty years.

Read her poem 'On the Pulse of Morning' at President Clinton's inauguration. She was only the second poet to read at an inauguration.

Died at home in Winston-Salem. A poet, memoirist, actress, and activist, she gave voice to the African American experience and became a beloved national figure.