Legendary poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, passes away aged 81

Nikki Giovanni, the celebrated poet and prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement, passed away on Monday, Dec. 9, at the age of 81. She died peacefully with her lifelong partner, Virginia “Ginney” Fowler, by her side, following her third cancer diagnosis, according to a statement from friend and author Renée Watson.

Born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni, Jr., on June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Giovanni rose to literary prominence with her 1968 debut poetry collection, Black Feeling Black Talk. Her work, often a poignant exploration of race, politics, and love, cemented her status as a vital voice during the Civil Rights Movement. Poet Kwame Alexander noted, “We will forever be grateful for the unconditional time she gave to us, to all her literary children across the writerly world.”

Giovanni’s career spanned decades, from her early days reconnecting the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee at Fisk University to teaching English at Virginia Tech for over 30 years. Her voice became a fixture on Soul!, the WNET talk show spotlighting Black arts and culture, where she engaged in powerful conversations, including one with James Baldwin.

Her personal connections included friendships with icons such as Rosa Parks, Nina Simone, and Muhammad Ali. Giovanni remained a beacon of resilience, performing just weeks before her passing at the Louis Armstrong House. Her final poetry collection, The Last Book, is slated for release in 2025.

Virginia Tech, where Giovanni served as a University Distinguished Professor, described her as a “pillar of artistic and social innovation.” Reflecting on the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, she said, “Killing is a lack of imagination... Life is an interesting and a good idea.”

She is survived by her wife, Virginia Fowler, son Thomas Giovanni, granddaughter Kai Giovanni, and other family members. Her enduring legacy as a poet, educator, and advocate for justice will inspire generations to come.