Renowned poet and activist Nikki Giovanni passed away at the age of 81 in Blacksburg, Virginia. She was a prolific writer, educator, and recipient of numerous awards. Giovanni’s work touched on civil rights, the Black Power Movement, and hip hop, making her one of the most famed African American poets. She will be remembered for her advocacy for African American rights during the Civil Rights Movement and her contributions to literature. Giovanni’s legacy lives on through her poetry collections and children’s books, with a posthumous book set for release in 2025.
In 1971 James Baldwin sat down to have an honest and open conversation with Nikki Giovanni about the state of affairs between the Black men and women of the time. They discuss relationships, “village” building and raising families. This conversation between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni is still relevant today.