Best known for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was a woman of many talents and accomplishments. In this episode, Jacke takes a look at the life and works of this incredible singer, dancer, songwriter, activist, poet, actor, director, documentary producer, and of course, memoirist.
Additional listening:

Learn more about one of Angelou's inspirations in Episode 300 Frederick Douglass and Episode 311 Frederick Douglass Learns to Read.

Professor Farah Jasmine Griffin joined us last year for a great discussion about her book in Episode 358 The Profound Wisdom of Black Life and Literature.

We looked at the debate between James Baldwin (who later encouraged Angelou to write her autobiography) and William Faulkner in Baldwin v. Faulkner.


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