In being a poet, educator, best selling author, actress, playwright, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou has been deemed one of the most incredible voices of contemporary literature. She began to read widely during her four year period of silence, which started after she was tragically raped by her mother’s boyfriend when she was eight. Although she lived in poverty for most of her childhood, she grew into a multi-talented woman. Maya Angelou is …showed first 75 words of 622 total…

…showed last 75 words of 622 total…who found the path. I’m a road builder. For those who have yet to come, I seem to be finding the path and they will be road builders. That keeps one humble. Love keeps one humble," (Angelou; Africana.com; pg. 2) Maya Angelou is a courageous woman and writer. She has touched the lives of thousands of distressed people. Through her willingness to share her work she has earned widespread admiration, respect, and love (Robinson 2).