I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou labeled as a feminist writer as well as being an African- American autobiographer set out to change all the opinionated barriers set by society towards blacks, women, and the poor. Through her childhood as well as her young womanhood she has faced hardships, growing up in Stamps, Arkansas divided by the color barrier Angelou has used these experiences as the backbone of her best writing. Brought up by her grandmother who raised her as well as her older brother Baily Jr. with a strong sense of religion and respect towards all. One of the major barriers or "cages" ex