Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her autobiographical works, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which made her the first African-American woman to have a nonfiction bestseller. Her other works include several volumes of poetry, essays, and plays. Angelou received numerous awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.