The title is taken from a poem by Harlem Renaissance poet Georgia Douglas Johnson and the book recounts events in Angelou 's life between 1957 and 1962 .
Harlem Renaissance poet Georgia Douglas Johnson connects Angelou with other female African - American writers .
The title is taken from a poem by Harlem Renaissance poet Georgia Douglas Johnson , which connects Angelou with other female African - American writers , and the book recounts events in Angelou 's life between 1957 and 1962 .