Dr. Cerise L. Glenn

  • Communication Studies
  • Associate Professor, 2015
Dr. Cerise L. Glenn

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
by Maya Angelou

I discovered I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings when I was in eighth grade and going through a very difficult time. It was the first book by Dr. Angelou I read. Reading about Dr. Angelou's early childhood joys and difficulties gave me a new way of understanding how traumatic events and systemic issues impact our daily lived experiences. It helped me understand that simply being "smart" wasn't going to be enough to create a bright future for myself. It taught me that even young people who do not fully understand their social worlds can find voice and the ability to transform their lives. I greatly admire Dr.Angelou's courage for sharing her life with the world in a way that's both honest and inspirational. It's a book I still think about when I am faced with a difficult situation that I have to figure out how to navigate in the best possible way.