

Remembering Nikki Giovanni - ‘We Go Forward With a Sanity and a Love’
64 snips Dec 12, 2024
In a cherished conversation, celebrated poet Nikki Giovanni reflects on her profound influence within the Black Arts Movement and her resilience post-Virginia Tech tragedy. She explores the historical role of women in unifying enslaved communities, and the healing power of poetry in social change. Giovanni also candidly discusses love's complexities and the essence of aging, urging listeners to embrace their personal journeys while honoring the resilience of the Black community. Her warmth and wisdom continue to inspire, even in tumultuous times.
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Name Change
- Nikki Giovanni's given name was Yolanda, but she legally changed it to Nikki after her mother passed.
- She felt it was disrespectful to change her name while her mother was alive.
Family Foodies
- Giovanni's family were foodies, especially her grandmother, whose cooking she greatly admired.
- She recounts her grandmother's resourceful cooking style, including making greens and preparing live chickens.
Existentialist Approach
- Giovanni views herself as an existentialist, living in the present.
- She prioritizes using her intelligence to serve humanity.