Maya Angelou (born April 4, 1928) is considered one of the United States' most eminent authors and poets, and has long been one of the strongest voices for civil rights activism in America. She is best known for her autobiographical writings, such as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) and All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986). Her volume of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Die (1971) was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, and she has published numerous other collections of verse.
In addition to her careers in literature and activism, Angelou has had success as a director, producer, actor, and author for stage, television, and film. She wrote the screenplay and score for the film Georgia, Georgia in 1971: the screenplay was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. She has twice been nominated for a Tony Award for her acting: once in 1973 for Look Away (her debut role), and once in 1977 for Roots. She was the first African-American woman admitted to the Directors Guild of America.
