At the height of the U.S. civil rights movement, Maya Angelou picked up a pen and began to write what would become one of the best known books in America, popular from its publication in 1970 right through today, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Maya Angelou became an unparalleled voice in American culture. She was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the highest civilian honor in the U.S. Hear Jian's feature interview with Maya Angelou below.