Curated Questions: Conversations Celebrating the Power of Questions! Nikki Giovanni
"We're very much unprepared to meet another life form because we're unprepared to meet ourselves." - Nikki Giovanni
Ms. Nikki Giovanni is a titan of American poetry, activism, and education. With a career spanning over five decades, her powerful voice has shaped literature, inspired generations, and challenged societal norms. Ms. Giovanni has established herself as one of the most influential figures in American literature and the Black Arts Movement, fueled by her participation in the 1960s Black Power movement. Her work explores race, gender, sexuality, and the Black American experience.
Nikki has published dozens of volumes of poetry, essays, illustrated children’s books, and edited anthologies. Her list of nominations and awards is exhaustive and spans the written word, music, culture, and film. She is an Emerita Professor at Virginia Tech, where she taught for 35 years in the Department of English. The 2023 award-winning documentary Going To Mars combined her biographical story with her deep love of space.
The conversation explores Nikki's reflections on the significance of the power of words, influential librarians, and growing up Black in America. Giovanni shares impactful moments and discusses age, curiosity, societal challenges, and learning philosophies. The dialogue delves into her deep understanding of history, human nature, black women's significance, and space exploration. Giovanni's personal anecdotes and poems provide a rich narrative on societal issues, the beauty of nature, joy, curiosity, and the importance of chosen relationships over familial ties.
Episode Notes
Discovering the power of words [2:17]
Reflections on Aging and Health [5:56]
Human Evolution and Environmental Concerns [10:16]
Social Issues and Personal Beliefs [16:05]
An American racial snapshot [23:25]
The Role of Teachers and Librarians [26:10]
Teaching college students about slavery [36:52]
Contemplating the Galaxy and Space Exploration [42:24]
Appalachian Hospitality [44:30]
The Role of the Supreme Court and Civic Education [45:42]
Appalachian Culture and Historical Significance [47:07]
Names, Words, and Personal Identity [51:02]
The Language of Dogs and Human-Dog Relationships [54:54]
The Significance of Spirituals and Folktales [58:38]
Reflections on Family and Love [1:02:01]
The Concept of Safety [1:11:42]
Interactions with Wildlife [1:16:15]
Finding Balance in Life's Challenges [1:21:00]
The Yellowjacket, Ego Trippin, and The Wisdom of Black Women [1:29:58]
Engagement with the Civil Rights Movement [1:38:08]
Exploring the Universe and Beyond [1:45:12]
Culinary Aspirations and Final Thoughts [1:53:02]
Resources Mentioned
Dr. Robert J. Baker University of Texas
Leaf-Nosed Bat named for Nikki Giovanni
A Library by Nikki Giovanni
Mrs. Long (librarian)
Sister Althea (teacher)
Flora Alexander (teacher)
The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander
Beloved by Toni Morrison
I Married My Mother (poem) by Nikki Giovanni
The Yellow Jacket (poem) by Nikki Giovanni
Ego Trippin (poem) by Nikki Giovanni
Nikki-Rosa (poem) by Nikki Giovanni
Questions Asked
When did you first understand the power of questions?
How do you use questions in your creative process?
Why did somebody say this?
Why do we think this way?
Why do we do something right now?
How have your questions changed over the decades?
What are we missing?
What is the life in the rest of the galaxy?
What does it mean to be alive?
Has that changed for you over the years?
Have you been wrestling with some of these [questions] for a while?
Are there any particular questions you carry with you and revisit?
What is the constitution by which we live?
What are we seeking to go forward to?
How do you see any intersection with questions in the spirituals?
What does it mean to pray?
Why would I intrude?
How come grandmother never goes to the market?
How do you think of the term courage?
What kind of slave owner would you be?
Don't you know that hurts?
How do you use questions to bring to bear the wisdom of black women?
How long will it take her to recognize that buying this car was not a good idea?