Iconic American poet and civil rights activist, Nikki Giovanni, has sadly passed away at the age of 81 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni Jr. in Knoxville, Tennessee on June 7, 1943, Giovanni was a powerful voice in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
Her dear friend and fellow writer, Renee Watson, shared that Giovanni passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, with her longtime partner, Virginia (Ginney) Fowler, by her side.
The literary world is mourning the loss of this influential figure who dedicated her life to advocating for equality and justice.
Renowned poet Kwame Alexander expressed gratitude for Giovanni’s unwavering support and mentorship of aspiring writers around the globe.
Giovanni’s writing often delved into themes of racial and gender equality, drawing from her experiences growing up in Tennessee and Ohio, as well as her own personal battles with lung cancer.
Throughout her career, Giovanni released poetry collections like “Black Feeling, Black Talk” and “Knoxville, Tennessee,” which showcased her distinctive voice and poetic style.
