Renowned US poet Nikki Giovanni, a leading voice of the 1960s Black Arts movement, has passed away at the age of 81. She died following her third cancer diagnosis, leaving behind a legacy of over 30 books, including poetry collections like Black Feeling, Black Talk and Black Judgement.
Born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni Jr in 1943, Giovanni was a key figure in the Black Arts movement, alongside luminaries like Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Audre Lorde. She was also a civil rights activist and politically engaged writer, attracting the attention of the FBI due to her radical views.
Giovanni’s work spanned topics of Black liberation, gender, love, and family life, making her a prominent public figure in the literary world. She taught English at Virginia Tech for over 30 years and survived a former student’s involvement in a tragic shooting on campus.
Despite battling lung cancer in the 1990s, Giovanni remained dedicated to her craft, working on a final poetry collection and memoir before her passing. She is survived by her son, granddaughter, and spouse, Virginia Fowler.
In a statement following her death, her friend Renée Watson described Giovanni’s impact as immeasurable, while poet Kwame Alexander expressed gratitude for her influence on the literary world. Giovanni’s passing marks the end of an era for American poetry, leaving behind a lasting legacy of activism and artistry.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com