CNN
A literary voice revered globally for her poetic command and her commitment to civil rights has fallen silent.
Maya Angelou died at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Wednesday, said her literary agent, Helen Brann.
The 86-year-old was a novelist, actress, professor, singer, dancer and activist. In 2010, President Barack Obama named her the recipient of the Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor.
One of Angelou’s most praised books was “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
Inspired by Maya Angelou? Read your favorite quote on video and send it to CNN iReport
—
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.