Maya Angelou

 (1928-2014) is one of the most acclaimed writers of her time. First gaining the spotlight for her heartrending 1969 memoir “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings,” Angelou went on to write 30-plus bestselling books and was awarded over 50 honorary degrees plus many other honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010. But Angelou’s creativity wasn’t specific to prose and poetry. Before becoming a celebrated writer and poet, she pursued an acting and singing career, gaining both Tony and Emmy award nominations. After publishing several successful books, she also delved into spoken word albums and screenwriting, becoming the first Black woman to have a screenplay produced, in 1972. Over and over, Angelou pulled from her experiences and emotions to create new work that still resonates with people the world over. Her accomplishments remind us that our creativity cannot leave us. It is inherently part of us, a muscle that gets stronger with exercise.