Maya Angelou profoundly impacted modern literature with her works that explore themes of identity, racism, and resilience. Her autobiographical series, beginning with "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," broke new ground by addressing the complexities of being a Black woman in America. Angelou's distinct narrative style combined elements of poetry and prose, forging a path for future writers to express their own truths. Her advocacy for civil rights and representation in literature has inspired countless authors and paved the way for discussions around intersectionality in modern literary discourse.