"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

Joe Biden

Queen Elizabeth

King Charles

Prince Phillip

Dr. Robert J. Baker University of Texas

Leaf-Nosed Bat named for Nikki Giovanni

Caitlin Clark

Billie Jean King

Bobby Riggs

Rosa Parks

Ron DeSantis

A Library by Nikki Giovanni

Mrs. Long (librarian)

Sister Althea (teacher)

Flora Alexander (teacher)

Rachel Carson

Andrew Carnegie

Charles Darwin

Kwame Alexander

The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Viola Liuzzo

The Isley Brothers

Carol Jenkins

The Godfather

Mario Puzo

Marlon Brando

I Married My Mother (poem) by Nikki Giovanni

Willie Mays

Titanic

Elmer Gantry

Donald Trump

The Yellow Jacket (poem) by Nikki Giovanni

Ego Trippin (poem) by Nikki Giovanni

Pullman Porters

Louis Armstrong

Thurgood Marshall

Nat King Cole

Nikki-Rosa (poem) by Nikki Giovanni

Dr. Charles Bolden

Bobby Flay

Beauty Pill

Producer Ben Ford

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?