Maya Angelou was a poet, a memoirist, a writer. She was a dancer — occasionally partnering with Alvin Ailey — and a singer. She was an editor in Cairo, an assistant in Ghana. She was nominated for a Tony, and a Pulitzer; she won three Grammys for her spoken word albums. She was a mother and an activist. She was a powerful voice whose words and influence will long resonate. But above all, Maya Angelou was a force of nature.