Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her autobiographical works, such as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which made her the first African-American woman to have a nonfiction bestseller. Her poetry collections, including Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Die, earned her numerous awards and honors, including three Grammy Awards. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.