Dr. Maya Angelou (1928 - ) was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 1928. Angelou was raised in St. Louis as well as Stamps, Arkansas. Angelou rose in her various chosen careers despite racial oppression. To date, Dr. Angelou is considered to be a "global renaissance woman" and one of the most influential women in modern history. Angelou is known worldwide as a poet, educator, filmmaker, actress, singer, historian, civil rights activist, and novelist.