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Nikki Giovanni. By: Ranita Brownson. Born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni, Jr., on 7 June in Knoxville General Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee, the daughter of Yolande Cornelia (1919- ).
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Nikki Giovanni By: RanitaBrownson
Born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni, Jr., on 7 June in Knoxville General Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee, the daughter of Yolande Cornelia (1919- )
graduating from Fisk, she attended the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University. She published her first book of poetry, Black Feeling Black Talk, in 1968, and within the next year published a second book, thus launching her career as a writer
Early in her career she was dubbed the "Princess of Black Poetry," and over the course of more than three decades of publishing and lecturing she has come to be called both a "National Treasure" and, most recently, one of Oprah Winfrey's twenty-five "Living Legends."
Nikki Giovanni has written more than two dozen books, including volumes of poetry, illustrated children's books, and three collections of essays. Her book Racism 101 includes bold, controversial essays about the situation of Americans on all sides of various race issues.
Her two most recent volumes of poetry, Love Poems and Blues: For All the Changes, were both winners of the NAACP Image Award, in 1998 and 2000, respectively.
Since 1987, she has taught writing and literature at Virginia Tech, where she is a University Distinguished Professor. As a devoted and passionate writer, teacher, and speaker, she inspires not only her students, but also readers and audiences nationwide.
One of her most well-known poems, titled “Nikki-Rosa”, was inspired by her childhood. This poems examines the relationship between love and wealth, reflecting on how much love Giovanni was surrounded by as a child, despite her poverty.
Another significant poem in Giovanni’s career is “Black Feeling, Black Talk”. In this poem Giovanni takes on a revolutionary perspective, promoting violence and illustrating the identity of her race.
Giovanni is a remarkable poet who has written many valuable collections of poetry. As an African-American, her race, as well as her childhood and her womanhood, inspire much of her work. Giovanni has received many awards, and has been honored many times for her pieces. During her long career, she truly has contributed much to the world of poetry.