How did Maya Angelou influence the world with her works?

Maya's novel "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," opened up the world to racism, abuse, abandonment, and abuse. Published in 1969, this novel opened the eyes of many, as it truthfully and portrayed rape, homelessness, and single motherhood, in an era when nobody talked about it. Through this novel and her subsequent writing, Angelou has influenced multitudes of people, besides showing what one person can do through tenacity and pure desire. She was an unbelievable role model and respected mentor.