Maya Angelou

Hello! My name is Maya Angelou. When I was born on April 4th, 1928, my name was Marguerite. My brother had a special name for me, though. He called me 'Maya,' and I liked it so much that it stuck! I have always loved words. Words are like music to me, and they can paint beautiful pictures in your mind. I loved reading books and listening to people tell stories. The words made me feel like I could go anywhere in the world and be anything I wanted to be.

I learned that words are very powerful. I used my words to write poems and books all about my life. In 1969, I wrote my most famous book, and it is called 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'. I also used my voice to sing beautiful songs and to speak up for people. I wanted everyone to be treated with kindness and fairness. I worked with my good friend, Martin Luther King Jr., to help make the world a better and kinder place for everyone.

My life was filled with words and songs. I even got to read a special poem for a president of the United States in 1993! I lived to be 86 years old. Today, people still read my books and my poems to feel strong, hopeful, and brave. My words help remind everyone that their own voice is important and can make a wonderful difference in the world.