Seven interesting facts about Maya Angelou, the American literary icon

Inspirational quote: "If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love."

2. She did not go to college but received more than 50 honorary degrees.

Inspirational quote: "Nothing will work unless you do."

3. The poet was the first black woman director and producer for 20th Century Fox.

Inspirational quote: "We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated."

4. She taught classes in philosophy, ethics, theology, theatre, writing, and science.

Inspirational quote: "No sun outlasts its sunset but will rise again and bring the dawn."

5. She was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie, her book of poetry.

Inspirational quote: "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude about it."

6. She also helped Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights movement as the Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Inspirational quote: "History despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."

7. She once said that she wanted the following phrase carved on her tombstone: “I did my best, I hope you do the same.”

Inspirational quote: "Love recognises no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope."