TED-Ed: One of the most banned books of all time | Mollie Godfrey

Maya Angelou's memoir, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,' has faced numerous bans due to its themes of sexual assault and racism. Despite this, the book is celebrated for its exploration of censorship and the power of voice. Published during the Civil Rights era, it was groundbreaking in addressing child sexual abuse from the victim's perspective. Angelou's work defies stereotypes and offers hope, becoming a significant part of high school curricula. She argued that children exposed to such realities should learn about them to overcome silence and danger.

What does Maya Angelou suggest about the importance of discussing uncomfortable realities in her memoir?

In what ways did Angelou's memoir challenge stereotypes about Black women?