"At the time, I was learning about the commonly celebrated icons of literature, like Shakespeare and F. Scott Fitzgerald. But as a young Black woman, to discover a literary giant who told her story from a perspective with which I could relate, made a profound impact on me. Her work captured the essence of the Black experience in a delicate and raw form during a dark time in history in America's south. Her writing is honest and tackles themes of racism, ​abuse, ​self-worth and identity, which remain very relevant to this day.

"One of the remarkable attributes of her writing style is that she can write about the darkest aspects of humanity, while maintaining a sense of hope — and humour. She inspires strength, even in the most difficult times. Reading about Angelou's life highlights the marvels of the human spirit. She embraced life, and all that it had to offer. That was demonstrated through this work, as well as her poetry, civil rights activism and performances.

"If there's one major lesson learned that I will always carry with me, it's that 'in the struggle lies the joy.'"

Tashauna Reid is Toronto-based journalist and is currently a breaking news reporter for CBC News: Morning Live. She has also worked as an arts and entertainment reporter for CBC News Network.