Renowned poet, activist, author and professor Nikki Giovanni has died. She was 81.
The legendary poet, a key figure in the Black Arts Movement, known for her profound and insightful poems that captivated audiences in children’s literature, speeches at major events, TV appearances, and a multitude of highly acclaimed poetry collections passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024. She was surrounded by her lifelong partner, Virginia (“Ginney”) Fowler, during her final moments, as confirmed by an announcement made by Renée Watson, a close friend and fellow writer.
Expressing profound gratitude for having shared in the remarkable legacy and affection of their beloved family member, Allison Ragan conveyed heartfelt sentiments on behalf of Giovanni’s relatives. The statement released did not elaborate on the details regarding Giovanni’s passing.
Giovanni, renowned for her impactful contributions to civil rights and her advocacy on various social issues, particularly those related to gender and race, was a fervent and highly productive writer. Throughout her illustrious career, she authored numerous poetry collections, essays, anthologies, and over ten children’s books. Information from Virginia Tech’s website highlighted her significant role as an Emerita Professor within the Department of English, a position she held since 1987.
Giovanni was awarded a 2024 Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking for Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project, and her latest book of poetry, The Last Book, is scheduled to be published in fall 2025.
Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on June 7, 1943, Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni graduated with a degree in history from Fisk University in 1967.
“My dream was not to publish or to even be a writer: my dream was to discover something no one else had thought of. I guess that’s why I’m a poet. We put things together in ways no one else does,” Giovanni wrote in a brief biography on her website.
“As one of the cultural icons of the Black Arts and Civil Rights Movements, she became friends with Rosa Parks, Aretha Franklin, James Baldwin, Nina Simone, and Muhammad Ali, and inspired generations of students, artists, activists, musicians, scholars and human beings, young and old,” the announcement from Watson said of the poet.
Giovanni is survived by her wife, Virginia Fowler, and her son and granddaughter, Thomas and Kai Giovanni in addition to cousins Allison “Pat” Ragan and Haynes Ford and nephew Christopher Black.
One of Giovanni’s many poems reflects on her life and her eventual passing.
“I hope I die warmed by the life that I tried to live,” she wrote.
