Born in Missouri in 1928, Maya Angelou had a difficult childhood. Jim Crow laws segregated blacks and whites in the South. Her family life was unstable at times. But much like her poem, "Still I Rise," Angelou was able to lift herself out of her situation and flourish. She moved to California and became the first black and first female streetcar operator before following her interest in dance. She became a professional performer in her twenties and...

Maya Angelou was an acclaimed author, poet, historian, singer and songwriter, playwright, director, and civil rights activist. Before she was known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style, Maya was a young girl interested in the written word. From an early age she wrote essays, poetry, and kept a journal. She used her powerful voice to share her experiences and unite the world through her written words. Explore how Maya Angelou...

Sensitive autobiography of a black woman who retains her personal "human dignity."