WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — Renowned poet, author, educator and humanitarian, Dr. Maya Angelou, recently celebrated her 80th birthday.

On Saturday, the City of Winston-Salem invited residents to a celebration in honor of Angelou.  She has lived in the city since 1981.

Angelou is considered one of the great literary voices of our time.  She was nominated for a National Book Award for her first book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which recounts the first 17 years of her life.

Angelou is a professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University, where she was given a lifetime appointment.