American author and poet Maya Angelou, whose groundbreaking memoir _I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings_ earned her international acclaim with its unflinching account of rape and racism in the segregated South, died on Wednesday at age 86.
The prolific African-American writer, known for her lyrical prose and regal speaking voice, died quietly at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Angelou's family said in a statement. No cause of death was given.
Major League Baseball had planned to honor her in Houston on Friday as part of the Civil Rights Game festivities, but Angelou announced last week that she would be unable to attend due to health reasons.
