Los Angeles [US], December 11 : Nikki Giovanni, the celebrated poet, activist, author, and professor, has passed away at the age of 81. She died peacefully on December 9, 2024, with her lifelong partner, Virginia “Ginney” Fowler, by her side, according to a statement from her friend and fellow writer, Renee Watson, reported by CNN.
Giovanni, born Yolanda Cornelia Giovanni Jr. on June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee, was a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement. She was known for her powerful poetry addressing civil rights, social justice, gender, and race. Over her prolific career, Giovanni published numerous poetry collections, essays, and anthologies, as well as more than 10 children’s books.
She had a long tenure at Virginia Tech, where she served as an Emerita Professor in the Department of English after joining the faculty in 1987. Giovanni was also recently awarded a 2024 Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking for Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project. Her latest poetry collection, The Last Book, is set to be released in fall 2025.
Giovanni is survived by her partner Virginia Fowler, her son Thomas Giovanni, granddaughter Kai Giovanni, and extended family members, including cousins Allison “Pat” Ragan and Haynes Ford, and nephew Christopher Black.