Nikki Giovanni, the esteemed poet and a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement, has passed away at the age of 81. She died on December 9th, following her third battle with cancer, as confirmed by her friend and fellow author, Renée Watson. Poet Kwame Alexander expressed the collective gratitude of Giovanni’s admirers, stating, “We will forever be grateful for the unconditional time she gave to us, to all her literary children across the writerly world.”
Giovanni’s literary journey began with her groundbreaking poetry collection, *Black Feeling Black Talk*, which was published in 1968 and solidified her presence within the Black Arts Movement. Her work explored themes of love, politics, and race, often employing a rich and evocative language. One of her notable lines from “Word Poem” encourages readers to “let’s build / what we become / when we dream.”
Born Yolanda Cornelia Giovanni, Jr. on June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Giovanni spent her formative years in Cincinnati, Ohio, before returning to Nashville for her studies at Fisk University. At Fisk, she crossed paths with other notable Black literary figures such as Dudley Randall and Amiri Baraka, and she also played a role in re-establishing the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
As her writing gained prominence, Giovanni became a familiar face on the television program *Soul!*, where she engaged in meaningful dialogues, including a memorable conversation with writer James Baldwin. Her contributions to literature and culture were recognized when she was named “Woman of the Year” by Ebony magazine and Mademoiselle.
For over thirty years, Giovanni taught English at Virginia Tech, where her significant experiences included the tragic Virginia Tech shooting in 2007. Reflecting on that event, she powerfully stated, “Killing is a lack of creation. It’s a lack of imagination. It’s a lack of understanding who you are and your place in the world.”
Up until her last days, Giovanni dedicated herself to her craft, with numerous poetry collections to her name. She was in the process of finalizing what would be her last book of poetry, *THE LAST BOOK*, set to be published next year.
Nikki Giovanni’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through her impactful words and the inspiration she provided to generations of writers and activists. Her life was a testament to creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
In summary, Giovanni’s passing marks a significant loss in the literary world, but her profound influence and the themes she championed will continue to resonate with many. Her unwavering dedication to teaching and writing showcases a hopeful message about the power of art to inspire change and foster understanding in society.