Mother: A Cradle to Hold Me

Maya Angelou (1928–2014) was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and became one of the most celebrated writers, poets, and public figures in American history. Her poem Still I Rise and her inaugural poem for President Clinton in 1993, On the Pulse of Morning, brought her poetry to millions of readers. She is the author of several poetry collections, including Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie (1971) and I Shall Not Be Moved (1990). Her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) remains one of the most widely taught memoirs in American schools. She held a lifetime appointment as Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.