Maya Angelou's upbringing and struggles significantly shaped her advocacy. Growing up in a segregated America, she faced numerous challenges, including childhood trauma and **racism**. These experiences informed her work as a writer and civil rights activist, as she often addressed themes of identity, resilience, and social justice in her poetry and essays. Her landmark autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," brought attention to the struggles of African Americans and women. Through her advocacy, Angelou inspired others to speak out against injustice and embrace their own voices.