ENTERTAINMENT NEWS – Nikki Giovanni, dynamic poet, professor, and Civil Rights Movement icon, dies at 81

Laila Kirkpatrick, Staff Writer

Nikki Giovanni, the iconic poet and celebrated literary figure over five decades, has died at age 81. She began her career as an educator, and her resilience allowed her to persevere through numerous challenges. Giovanni’s works addressed diverse topics, including racism, love, space travel, and questions of morality.

Giovanni was the subject of the award-winning documentary Going to Mars. Her cousin Allison (Pat) Ragan stated, “We will forever feel blessed to have shared a legacy and love with our dear cousin,” in a statement released on behalf of the family.

Throughout her career, Giovanni authored more than 25 books and an extensive collection of poetry. Collections such as Black Judgement and Black Feeling Black Talk sold thousands of copies, leading to appearances on programs such as The Tonight Show, which catapulted her to stardom. Giovanni’s poetry and spoken word reflected her personal story, touching on her childhood in Tennessee and Ohio, her battles with lung cancer, and tributes to her heroes like Nina Simone and Angela Davis.

Her work centered on the experiences of Black women and the unique challenges they face in the U.S. Giovanni has left an indelible mark on the literary field, and her works will continue to inspire generations to come.