Renowned author, poet, civil rights activist, and professor, Maya Angelou, has died at 86 years-old.

She penned more than 30 books, but is best known for her groundbreaking autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."

In this coming-of-age story, Angelou provided eloquent commentary on race, gender and living life to its fullest.

In 2013, she received a lifetime achievement award from the Norman Mailer Center in New York.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) MAYA ANGELOU, POET, SAYING:

"Imagine it. A black girl from a little village in Arkansas, smaller than this little town here, this little village, imagine it. Now considered one of the most important writers. Imagine it."

Angelou was also a Grammy winner for three spoken-word albums.

She read her poetry for Bill Clinton's Inauguration.

And in 2001, President Obama awarded her the medal of freedom.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OBAMA, SAYING:

"She has inspired countless others who ha