Nikki Giovanni, the acclaimed poet, author, professor and activist, died Monday following a third cancer diagnosis. She was 81.
Family and friends celebrate Nikki Giovani’s life
Renée Watson, a fellow writer and friend of Giovanni, confirmed her passing with a heartfelt statement honoring her life and legacy as a prominent Black literary figure.
“The acclaimed poet, Black Arts Movement icon whose poems of wit, wonder, and wisdom were celebrated in children’s books, on keynote stages and television shows, and in more than two dozen bestselling poetry collections, died peacefully on December 9, 2024, with her life-long partner, Virginia [Ginney] Fowler, by her side,” Watson said, according to CNN.
“We will forever feel blessed to have shared a legacy and love with our dear cousin,” Allison Ragan said on behalf of Giovanni’s family.
A legacy of advocacy and artistic excellence
Giovanni was best known for her work on social issues, particularly gender and race. She published more than two dozen volumes of poetry, essays and anthologies and 11 children’s books, including the award-winning biography Rosa, based on civil rights activist Rosa Parks, according to a news article from Virginia Tech, where Giovanni served as an emerita professor in the English department for 35 years.
Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on June 7, 1943, grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, but later returned to Tennessee to attend Fisk University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1967. She released her first poetry collection, Black Feeling Black Talk, the following year. Since then, she established herself as a renowned figure of the Black Arts Movement, NPR reported.
Nikki Giovanni’s resilience, final works and lasting impact
Giovanni was still living her life and doing everything she enjoyed despite being diagnosed with cancer for the third time. WBDJ mentioned she performed with saxophonist Javon Jackson three weeks ago at the Louis Armstrong House in New York City.
Her forthcoming book of poetry, The Last Book, will be released in fall 2025.
The beloved icon is survived by her wife, Virginia Fowler; her son, Thomas Giovanni; her granddaughter, Kai Giovanni; two cousins, Haynes Ford and Allison (Pat) Ragan; and a nephew, Christopher Black, per WBDJ.
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