The great literary genius Nikki Giovanni, who has given the world countless written renditions, passed away on December 9, 2024. She was not only a literary artist but also a pioneer for justice. She was 81 when she passed away. Her life was a culmination of great activism and poetry. To learn more about the iconic poetess Nikki Giovanni, continue reading.
Poet Nikki Giovanni dies at 81
On December 9, 2024, Nikki passed away peacefully among her friends and family. Her partner, Virginia Ginny Fowler was also present. Fans have poured in their love from across the world on the sad demise. One of her friends and contemporaries, Kwame Alexander has shared a personal anecdote, recalling the legendary poetess. He mentioned how during her lifetime, she was like a mentor and they got to learn a lot from her. She leaves behind her partner, Virginia, her son Thomas, and her granddaughter, Kai.
Also read: Nikki Giovanni Net Worth 2024: A Literary Icon with an $85 Million Net Worth
Works of Nikki Giovanni
Her literary works were initiated during her time as a member of the Black Arts Movement. She was known for her strong poetry, containing emotions of struggle, depth, cultural resistance against oppression, and love. Her most integral works include Black Feeling, Black Talk, Gemini, and Love Poems. She not only shared her insights on the Black American struggles, but also talked extensively on human experiences.
Her most memorable poems include, Nikki-Rosa, which lays in detail her childhood experiences as a Black American woman. Other poems include Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why), which discusses about Black heritage. Other poems on nature include Knoxville, Tennessee, and Choices.
Professionally, she also contributed as a Professor at Virginia Tech’s English Department. Her kindness reached beyond the classrooms, as she taught young students how to stand up for themselves and fight against oppression. She received an Emmy in 2024 for her Exceptional Merit in Documentary filmmaking on the topic “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project”. She received the Langston Hughes Medal and the 2022 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize.
Life of Nikki Giovanni
The poetess and activist, Nikki Giovanni was born on June 7, 1943, in Tennessee. Growing up in a healthy African American family, she was mostly inspired by her grandmother, Louvenia Watson. As she pursued education at Fisk University, she became actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement too.
She has been known to fight against cancer several times in her life. However, this did not weaken her spirits as she continued her love for creativity even after recovery. Recently, she shared the limelight with Javon Jackson, the saxophonist, sharing her love for music. Her last work titled “The Last Book” is set to be published by 2025. This will consist of her personal struggles with her health and striving onwards, despite undergoing health issues. Her creativity and love for the arts are portrayed in this work. She has been a source of inspiration for many generations, including Maya Angelou, and Sonia Sanchez as well as works on Beyonce. Her presence is still felt through her powerful and sublime words.
