Nikki Giovanni

Poet, Educator & Best-Selling Author

Nikki Giovanni

Poet, Educator & Best-Selling Author

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Biography

Nikki Giovanni has written more than thirty volumes of poetry and prose, including several children’s books. Among the latter is Rosa, awarded the coveted Caldecott Medal. Her adult poetry books range from such early volumes as Black Feeling Black Talk/Black Judgement and My House to more recent ones such as Bicycles, Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea, and Make Me Rain.

Giovanni is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including Woman of the Year Awards from both Ebony and Mademoiselle magazines; Governor’s Awards from both Tennessee and Virginia; keys to more than two dozen cities; some 31 Honorary Doctorates; and, most recently, the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize from the Poetry Foundation. She has also recorded several award-winning spoken-word albums, among them Truth Is On Its Way and The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection.

Currently, a documentary about Giovanni has received high honors from Sundance and has premiered in New York, London, and Berlin. Giovanni recently retired from Virginia Tech as University Distinguished Professor Emerita.

Speech Topics

Tennessean by Birth; Poet by Choice

Human by the Grace of God: A View of Diversity

Diversity as Art: Art Is Diversity

Racism 101

Testimonials

"Nikki Giovanni was a pure gem. Her keynote address was amazing and the audience was entertained and moved. Thank you for all of your help in ensuring a great Black Ink book festival via Nikki Giovanni's presence and keynote."

- Charleston Friends of the Library

"Thank you so, so much! Nikki was an OUTSTANDING speaker! We send our deep gratitude to your team for coordinating her participation. Thank you!"

- YWCA Glendale & Pasadena

"Words can't describe it! Ms. Giovanni is incredible - spending the afternoon with her has changed my life! Our students and community packed the house - we haven't had the house packed in many moons! We filled the audience and overflowed the overflow (about 700 people were here!)"

- Mountain View College

"Nikki was just great! We had a wonderful evening with her. She was very gracious, which made for an exciting evening. Thank you for setting up her schedule where she met with faculty members. I have received several positive comments from them expressing their pleasure in having a private opportunity to spend some time with her. We really enjoyed having her visit our campus."

- Eckerd College

"The event went well, and Ms. Giovanni was spectacular. She spoke to a full house--at least 300 people. And afterwards, everyone commented on how gracious and engaging she was. It was a pleasure working with the American Program Bureau to bring Ms. Giovanni to our stage."

- YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago

"Nikki was absolutely wonderful. She was well received by the RWU and local community. I’m so pleased that she was able to come and share her experiences, wisdom and time with us."

- Roger Williams University

"Nikki Giovanni was wonderful! She was insightful, political, satirical, humorous, and personable. Several people came up to me afterwards to thank us for bringing her."

- Indiana University

"The event was great and Nikki was the reason. She was absolutely fabulous, everyone enjoyed her comments, and she went above and beyond the call of duty during her visit."

- Illinois State University