Nikki Giovanni, renowned poet and Virginia Tech professor, passes away at 81

Nikki Giovanni, renowned poet and Virginia Tech professor, passes away at 81, leaving a lasting legacy.

Nikki Giovanni, the celebrated poet and Virginia Tech professor, has passed away at the age of 81.

Giovanni, known for her influential role in the Black Arts and Civil Rights Movements, died peacefully with her lifelong partner, Virginia (Ginney) Fowler, by her side.

Born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni on June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee, she served as a University Distinguished Professor in the English Department at Virginia Tech.

Over the years, she earned numerous awards, including the 2024 Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking for Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project.

Giovanni’s impact on both the literary and activist communities was vast. She befriended notable figures such as Rosa Parks, Aretha Franklin, James Baldwin, Nina Simone, and Muhammad Ali, inspiring generations of artists, scholars, and activists.

Despite battling cancer twice, Giovanni remained resilient, continuing her work until recently, performing in New York City just weeks ago.

Her upcoming poetry collection, The Last Book, is set to be published in 2025. Giovanni is survived by her wife, Virginia Fowler, son Thomas Giovanni, granddaughter Kai Giovanni, and extended family.

Tributes poured in from those she mentored, including Kwame Alexander, who praised her for her wisdom, guidance, and love.