Black American Poet Maya Angelou is dead at 86

Black American Poet, Maya Angelou, who inspired millions of Americans with her moving memoirs and work of fiction is dead at 86.

She was found dead at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina by a caretaker, on Wednesday morning when she arrived to check on the ailing poet.

Her son Gary B. Johnson, her only child, issued a statement about the author's death: 

'Dr. Maya Angelou passed quietly in her home before 8:00 a.m. EST. Her family is extremely grateful that her ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity or comprehension.

'She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace. The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her and we know that she is looking down upon us with love.'

Angelou had been struggling with health problems in recent weeks and had canceled a May 30 appearance at the 2014 MLB Beacon Award Luncheon in Houston, where she was to be honored with the 'Beacon Life Award.'

She remained active, even as her health began to deteriorate. On May 23, five days before her death, she tweeted, 'Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.'

Angelou has been celebrated as one of the greatest writers of her generation, bringing light to the struggles of women and African Americans - as well as the human condition, writ large.

'Human beings are more alike than we are unalike,' she was often quoted as saying.

She was one of the the first African American women to write a best-selling book and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for her poetry and a Tony for her acting. She won two Grammys for spoken word albums of her poetry and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010. 

Tributes began pouring from all corners of public life - from authors to politicians and musicians, both young and old.

President Barack Obama issued a statement saying: 'She was a storyteller – and her greatest stories were true.  A childhood of suffering and abuse actually drove her to stop speaking – but the voice she found helped generations of Americans find their rainbow amidst the clouds, and inspired the rest of us to be our best selves.' 

His own sister, he said, was named Maya as a tribute to the author.

The world has just lost not only an exceptional Poet but an extraordinary woman. May her gentle soul, rest in perfect peace. It was great knowing you Ma.