Poet, author, actress and historian Dr. Maya Angelou passed away on Wednesday, May 28, at the age of 86, confirms CNN. She was found unresponsive in her home.
The novelist, whose career had spanned everything from cable car operator to actress, wrote seven autobiographies, the most famous of which, "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" was published when she was 17. In 1959, she was asked by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to be the northern coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and she spoke widely about civil rights throughout her life. She also recited her poem, "On the Pulse of Morning" at Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration in 1993.
Her close relationship with Oprah Winfrey, who she met in the 1970s, resulted in many people around the world getting to know the wisdom and grace Angelou embodied with all her works. She received more than 30 honourary degrees from varied institutions around the world, and was set to to receive Major League Baseball's Beacon of Life honour this week.
Angelou leaves behind a son, Guy, one grandson and two great-grandchildren.
Angelou's stunning writing spoke volumes about the depth of her humanity, and taught lessons everyone can put towards their own lives each day. Here are some of our favourites:
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