The New Book by Nikki Giovanni
Alas, Nikki Giovanni’s The New Book was her final book, unless a later comprehensive compilation of her many works of prose, poetry and children’s books is published.
Breaking Barriers in the Halls of History
Yolande Cornelia (Nikki) Giovanni Jr., an extraordinarily gifted writer, activist and educator, born June 7, 1943, passed away on December 9, 2024, leaving behind a substantial literary legacy. This brilliant woman taught creative writing and literature, eventually becoming a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia from 1987 until she retired in 2022.
It might be considered ironic that she became such a venerated educator there given this acclaimed university began in 1872 as Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College with strong ties to Confederate States Army veterans including its first five presidents.
At school football games until sometime in the early 1970s, the Confederate Battle Flag was waved by cheerleaders, Dixie played when touchdowns were scored and senior class rings incorporated the Confederate flag in their design. The evolving times were certainly evident when this black, lesbian poet and outspoken feminist became a beloved member of the faculty.
Where History, Art, and Activism Converged
Nikki Giovanni was a seven times recipient of the NAACP Image Award, 31 honorary doctorates, the Rosa Parks Award and the Langston Hughes Award for Distinguished Contributions to Arts and Letters among the multiple other honors and awards that populate an entire page on her website. She was also the proud single mother and grandmother who was delighted when a new species of leaf-nosed bat found in Ecuador was named for her (Micronycteris giovanniae).
Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, her parents and older sister moved to Cincinnati, Ohio when she was two months old but often visited her grandparents’ home in Tennessee. She was an “early entrant” to her grandfather’s alma mater, Fisk University, quickly became a class leader, reestablished the campus chapter of SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee) and graduated with honors with a BA in History.
As she continued her education at Columbia University, Nikki met and worked with many prominent figures of the Black Rights Movement including H. Rap Brown and LeRoi Jones. In 1968, she published her first book of poetry, Black Feeling Black Talk, followed later that same year by Black Judgement, which was launched at Birdland Jazz Club in NYC.
She taught, wrote, edited, organized events, produced episodes and became a regular on Ellis Haizlip’s television program, Soul!, which aired on WNET from 1967 to 1972. This entertainment variety show promoted black art and culture along with free political expression. Guests included Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Gladys Knight, Miriam Makeba and Stevie Wonder, among many others.
A Testament to a Life Lived Loudly, Fully, and Fearlessly
Becoming a strong voice was a natural evolution and progression for Nikki Giovanni, whose many written works haveleft a powerful, lasting heritage. The New Book joyfully imparts her strength and wisdom, reflecting on her past including family history and the pleasure derived from her full and rich life.
Her poetry is accessible to all; even those who otherwise profess to not understand or enjoy the genre. Her clear, simple and direct words and strong opinions evoke a variety of emotions including generous helpings of laughter and glimpses fostering understanding of her motivations, interests and passions.
This all too brief collection includes letters, short prose and of course, poetry. It is a gift from her to long-time readers, her students and alumni and those who are discovering the work of a self-described dreamer after her passing.
A Life Well Lived—and Joyfully Told
During her lifetime, Nikki Giovanni overcame adversity, setbacks, prejudice and private sorrows to celebrate the positive changes transpiring during her 81 years of life, which she embraced with optimism, joy and a tremendous sense of humor.
Here is an extraction from the short biography she provided for her website a decade ago about some of the things that made her happy:
I highly recommend old age; it’s fun. I have been nominated for a Grammy; been a finalist for the National Book Award. I am very proud to have authored three New York Times and Los Angeles Times Best Sellers, highly unusual for a poet. I am a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech. I don’t have a lot of friends but I have good ones. I have a son and a granddaughter. I like to cook, travel and dream. I’m a writer. I’m happy.”
Gladden your own heart; read The New Book and be happy.
About Nikki Giovanni:
Poet Nikki Giovanni was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on June 7, 1943. Although she grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, she and her sister returned to Knoxville each summer to visit their grandparents. Nikki graduated with honors in history from her grandfather’s alma mater, Fisk University. Since 1987, she has been on the faculty at Virginia Tech, where she is a University Distinguished Professor.
