Nikki Giovanni

Hello, my name is Nikki Giovanni, and I am a poet. My story begins on June 7th, 1943, when I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. As a child, I spent my time between two loving homes. One was with my parents in a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the other was back in Knoxville with my grandmother, Louvenia. My grandmother was a wonderful storyteller. She taught me to read, to love books, and most importantly, to be proud of who I am and where I came from. It was in her house, surrounded by stories, that I first fell in love with words. She helped me see that words had power and that my own words could be powerful, too. That feeling stayed with me and shaped the person I would become.

When I was only 16 years old, I was ready for college. I enrolled at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, which is a historically Black university. College was a big change, and I had some challenges along the way. I even had to leave for a while. But I was determined to finish what I started, so I returned and worked hard. In 1967, I proudly graduated with a degree in history. This was during a very important time in American history called the Civil Rights Movement, when Black Americans were fighting for equal rights. I saw people marching and speaking out, and I knew I wanted to be part of that change. I decided that my voice, through my poetry, could be my contribution. I began to write poems that shared my feelings, my thoughts, and my experiences as a Black woman in America. I wanted my words to tell the truth and inspire others.

After college, I was filled with ideas and had so much to say. In 1968, I put together my very first book of poems and called it 'Black Feeling, Black Talk'. I believed in my poems so much that I used my own money to get the book published. I wanted to share my message with the world, and I wasn't going to wait for someone else to give me permission. My poetry became part of a larger movement called the Black Arts Movement. This was a time when Black writers, musicians, and artists used their work to celebrate our culture and history with pride. A year later, in 1969, my life changed in another wonderful way when my son, Thomas, was born. He brought so much joy into my life, and he inspired me to start writing for children, too. I wanted to create stories and poems that would make children like him feel seen and loved.

Besides writing, one of my greatest passions has been teaching. Sharing my love for words with the next generation is incredibly important to me. In 1987, I became a professor at a large university called Virginia Tech. For many years, I have had the honor of working with young students, helping them discover the power of their own voices. In my classes, I encourage them to write about their lives, their dreams, and the things they care about. It is a joy to watch them grow as writers and storytellers. Over the years, my work has been recognized with many awards. I mention this not to brag, but to show that when you speak your truth, your words can travel far and touch the hearts of many people. It proves that every voice has value.

I am still writing and teaching today, and I am so grateful for this life full of words. My biggest hope is that my poems help people feel strong, proud of who they are, and a little less alone in the world. I have always believed that our stories connect us to each other and give us strength. Remember that you have a unique and important story to tell. Your experiences and your feelings matter. Never be afraid to use your voice to share your truth with the world, because your voice has the power to make a difference.