Celebrated American poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, known for her contributions to the Black Arts Movement and advocacy for civil rights, has died at the age of 81 following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Giovanni, a prominent voice in African-American literature, passed away on December 9, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones, including her life partner, Virginia Fowler, according to a statement from fellow writer Renee Watson.
Renowned for her evocative works such as “Knoxville, Tennessee” and “Nikki-Rosa,” Giovanni’s writings tackled themes of race, gender, and civil rights.
Her literary legacy earned her numerous accolades, including the NAACP Image Award, the Rosa Parks Award, and a Grammy nomination for her spoken word album, “The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection.”
Giovanni whose death was announced on Tuesday was a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, alongside other luminaries like Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Audre Lorde.
Through her poetry and activism, she advocated for Black empowerment, cultural pride, and social justice.
In addition to her literary achievements, Giovanni taught creative writing and literature at Virginia Tech, where she inspired countless students and budding writers.
