NovaVib

May 28, 2014 11:50 AM EDT

American poet, memoirist and civil rights activist Maya Angelou died today. She’ll be remembered not only for the strength and conviction of her words, but also for the inspiration and wisdom she offered. Her work had particular resonance for women and the poem that may best represent that connection is “Phenomenal Woman,” which Oprah has called “life defining.” Published in a collection of the same name in 1995, the poem originally appeared in Cosmopolitan magazine in 1978. Hear Dr. Angelou recite this landmark poem and see rare photos of her life as a young woman and later as a lauded poet.

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