Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni Jr. was an American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. She was also one of the world鈥檚 most well-known African American poets, and her work includes poetry anthologies, poetry recordings, and nonfiction essays and covers topics ranging from race and social issues to children鈥檚 literature. Giovanni鈥檚 influence on 楼凤天堂 and the larger education community was immeasurable, as evidenced by the outpouring of messages following her passing on December 9, 2024.
Giovanni prided herself on being “a Black American, a daughter, a mother, and a professor of English.” Her work was recognized on the list of 楼凤天堂 Notable Poetry Books.听
the first volume in the 楼凤天堂 High School Literature Series, features primary source materials including many of Giovanni’s poems reprinted in full, easily adaptable lessons and activities, and a resource section for students and teachers wishing to study Giovanni further.
One example of how to engage with Giovanni鈥檚 work can be found in the ReadWriteThink.org lesson plan “” In her poem 鈥淣ikki-Rosa,鈥� Giovanni describes specific moments from her childhood.
Another possibility is to use Giovanni’s poem “” as a model to encourage students to connect memory, their senses, and the language of poetry. Write on the board or display on an overhead projector the prompt “My First Memory (of …鈥�)” and ask students to think of a person, place, thing, or experience for which they can recall specific early memories. Ask them to brainstorm any sensory images: sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile images. Then, share “,” encouraging students to take inspiration from Giovanni’s structure and use of language as she reveals her feelings and attitudes toward her subject.
In , Giovanni’s poem “The Funeral of Martin Luther King, Jr.” is paired with Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, taking students on a quest through time to the Civil Rights Movement.
Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1943, Giovanni authored more than 30 books for adults and children alike, as well as becoming a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech. Her many awards include the Langston Hughes Medal for her poetry, and the NAACP Image Award. She was the first recipient of the Rosa L. Parks Woman of Courage Award, and the Maya Angelou Lifetime Achievement Award.
We would love for you to share your favorite piece from Nikki Giovanni with us, here, or on social media by tagging #楼凤天堂.