Nikki Giovanni is a world - renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Over the past 30 years, the outspoken nature of her writing and speaking has br ought the eyes of the world upon her. One of the most widely read American poets, she prides herself on being "a Black American, a daughter, a mother, a professor of English." The Academy of American Poets voted Giovanni #1 poet for the s pring of 2007. G iovanni remains as determined and committed as ever to the fight for civil rights and equality. Always insisting on presenting the truth as she sees it, she has maintained a prominent place as a strong voice of the b l...
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Nikki Giovanni
Poet, Educator & Best-Selling Author
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Nikki Giovanni is a world – renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Over the past 30 years, the outspoken nature of her writing and speaking has br ought the eyes of the world upon her. One of the most widely read American poets, she prides herself on being “a Black American, a daughter, a mother, a professor of English.” The Academy of American Poets voted Giovanni #1 poet for the s pring of 2007. G iovanni remains as determined and committed as ever to the fight for civil rights and equality.
Always insisting on presenting the truth as she sees it, she has maintained a prominent place as a strong voice of the b lack community. Her focus is on the indi vidual — specifically, the power one has to make a difference in oneself and in the lives of others.
Ms.Giovanni has written more than two dozen books, including volumes of poetry, illustrated children’s books, and three collections of essays. Her book Racism 101 includes bold, controversial essays about the situation of Americans on all sides of various race issues. She has received 21 honorary doctorates and a h ost of other awards, including Woman of the Year titles from three different magazines and the Gove rnors’ Awards in the Arts from both Tennessee and Virginia. Rosa , her biography of legendary civil r ights activist Rosa Parks, won Caldecott Honors and the Coretta Scott King Medal for best illustrated book. Other books include the collection of adult poet ry Acolytes and the novel On My Journey Now: Looking at African American History T hrough the Spiritual s . Three of her volumes of poetry — Love Poems , Blues: For All the Changes , and Quilting the Black – Eyed Pea — were w inners of the NAACP Image Award in 1998, 2 000, and 2003. Her newly released collection, Bicycles: Love Poems , has been called one of her “most powerful offerings to date” by Essence magazine . Since 1987, Nikki Giovanni has taught writing and literature at Virginia Tech, where she is a d istinguishe d p rofessor.
As a devoted and passionate writer, teacher, and speaker, she inspires not only her students but also readers and audiences nationwide. Her album Truth Is on Its Way , i n which she reads her poetry against a background of gospel music, was a to p 100 album and was named Best Spoken Word Album by the National Association of Radio and Television Announcers. The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection , a spoken – word CD, was a finalist for the 2003 Grammy Award in the category of spoken word.
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Testimonials
Nikki Giovanni was wonderful! She was insightful, political, satirical, humorous, and personable. Several people came up to me afterwards to thank us for bringing her.
The event was great and Nikki was the reason. She was absolutely fabulous, everyone enjoyed her comments, and she went above and beyond the call of duty during her visit.
Words can’t describe it! Ms. Giovanni is incredible – spending the afternoon with her has changed my life! Our students and community packed the house – we haven’t had the house packed in many moons! We filled the audience and overflowed the overflow (About 700 people were here!)
Nikki was a great speaker and a terrific person to be able to meet. We had great attendance. Thanks for all your help in bringing Nikki to our campus. We look forward to working with you again in the future.
Dr. Giovanni was a huge hit with students, faculty, staff, and community guests. I have no hesitations about recommending Dr. Giovanni to other colleagues. Everyone had a wonderful time!
Nikki rocked the house! Her candor, wisdom, poetry, and humor definitely energized the crowd.
Nikki was a great speaker and a terrific person! Thank you, so much Peter for making this happen. Cant wait for next year’s programming.
Topics
Topics
- An Evening of Poetry, Love, and Enlightenment
Acclaimed poet Nikki Giovanni shares her eloquent words of wisdom, spanning the civil rights movement, politics, love, art, and more. Discussing the ideals of equality in her dramatic oratory, she shares the experiences and thoughtful poetry that embody her activism and legacy of passion for the arts. - Breaking the Silence: The Poetry of Cancer Survival
Cancer survivors, their family members, friends, and caretakers will find comfort in the inspirational survival stories shared by Nikki Giovanni. Covering every facet of the disease, she addresses complex issues, helping to heal the mind, body, and spirit and seeking to lighten the burden that all cancer survivors and those who care for them must bear.
Tennessean By Birth; Poet By Choice
Human by the Grace of God: A View of Diversity
Diversity as Art: Art is Diversity
Racism 101
Why Not the Right Thing the First Time
Videos
Videos
Why Not the Right Thing the First Time - Nikki Giovanni - TEDxHerndon
An Evening with Nikki Giovanni
Books
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