Maya Angelou Death: Poet & Major Figure In Civil Rights Movement Who Spoke At Obama & Clinton Inaugurations Succumbs To Health Problems At 86 [VIDEO]
Maya Angelou, the world-famous poet and a major figure in the Civil Rights Movement, has passed away at age 86.
The celebrated poet and novelist was reportedly battling health problems, after cancelling an appearance at a special event that was to be held in her honor. She was set to be honored with the "Beacon of Life Award" at the 2014 MLB Beacon Award Luncheon on May 30 in Houston.
Angelou, who has been awarded with over 50 honorary degrees in her lifetime, was serving as a Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem University.
She is best known for her poem, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, which detailed the struggles she faced as an African-American woman growing up during the civil rights movement. She was a major part of the movement as well, serving as a northern coordinator in Dr. Martin Luther King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
She has also received several accolades over the years, including the Presidential Medal of Arts in 2000 and the Lincoln Medal in 2008. She was also invited to speak at both President Bill Clinton's 1993 inauguration, as well as Barack Obama's 2008 ceremony.
No further details are available about her cause of death, or any arrangements her family has made for memorial services.
