Nikki Giovanni was the epitome of Black People Magic. She was a trailblazing poet, activist, author and professor whose words redefined Black literature and culture. She passed away peacefully on Monday, December 9th, with her wife by her side at 81 years old after her 3rd cancer diagnosis.
Giovanni had a career over 5 decades writing poetry, essays, children’s books and anthologies. She was deeply rooted in her heritage even as a teenager, when she entered Fisk University through its “Early Entrant” program before finishing high school and revitalized the campus chapter of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, edited the student literary magazine, and graduated with honors in history in 1967.
By the late 1960s, Giovanni had emerged as a leading voice of the Black Arts Movement and was given the title “Poet of the Black Revolution.” Reflecting on her journey, Giovanni once said, “My dream was not to publish or even be a writer: my dream was to discover something no one else had thought of. I guess that’s why I’m a poet. We put things together in ways no one else does.”
She bonded with cultural icons like James Baldwin, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Rosa Parks, and Muhammad Ali. In 2024, she earned an Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking for Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project. She continued working until her final days, preparing her latest book of poetry, The Last Book, for publication in fall 2025.
Giovanni reflected on her life and legacy with poignant clarity: “I hope I die warmed by the life that I tried to live.”
You did Ms. Nikki, you did.
I hope you're inspired and remember to always celebrate your magic! xo