( CNN ) -- More than anything , Maya Angelou was known for her words . From her books to her orations , Angelou used language to stir her audiences and reach into their hearts . Here is a sampling of some of her most powerful speeches : . 1 ) Presidential Inauguration Ceremony , 1993 . She became the second poet in history to speak at a presidential inauguration -- after Robert Frost , who spoke at John F. Kennedy 's inaugural -- when she read her poem `` On the Pulse of Morning '' at the swearing-in of President Bill Clinton in 1993 . 2 ) 2013 National Book Awards . Angelou was selected to receive the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community . She sang and offered moving words of gratitude . 3 ) The funeral of Coretta Scott King , 2008 . The writer sang and spoke at the homegoing service for the widow of the Rev . Martin Luther King -- calling her `` born of flesh and destined to become iron . '' Angelou was active in the civil rights movement and knew the Kings . 4 ) The Children 's Defense Fund National Conference , 2012 . Angelou shared one of her poems as the keynote speaker at the Children 's Defense Fund National Conference held in Cincinnati in July 2012 . Her words live on . Opinion : How Maya Angelou gave me life .
Angelou was the second poet ever to speak at a presidential inauguration . Her speeches stirred her audience . She spoke of love, hope and justice for all people.