Trailblazing Poet, Activist, And Voice Of The Black Arts Movement, Nikki Giovanni Has Passed Away

Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni passed away today, Monday, Dec. 9, at the age of 81, following her third battle with cancer. Her death was confirmed by her friend and author Renée Watson. Poet Kwame Alexander honored Giovanni’s memory, expressing gratitude for “the unconditional time she gave to us, to all her literary children across the writerly world.”

Giovanni first captured the literary world’s attention with her debut poetry collection, Black Feeling Black Talk, in 1968. Rooted in the Black Arts Movement, her work explored themes of love, politics, race, and loneliness with a voice that ranged from sparse and poignant to impassioned and bold. The closing lines of her poem “Word Poem” remain emblematic of her vision:
"let's build
what we become
when we dream."

Born Yolanda Cornelia Giovanni, Jr., on June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee, she grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, before attending Fisk University. There, she connected with prominent Black literary figures such as Dudley Randall, Margaret Walker, and Amiri Baraka. Giovanni also revitalized the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee during her time at Fisk, reflecting her lifelong commitment to activism.

As her career flourished, Giovanni became a prominent voice in Black culture, regularly appearing on Soul!, a celebrated Black arts and culture talk show. Her thought-provoking interview with James Baldwin remains a cultural milestone, following her recognition as "Woman of the Year" by Ebony and Mademoiselle.

Nikki Giovanni's influence on literature and activism will endure, inspiring generations to dream and build a better future.