Nikki Giovanni, Iconic Poet and Activist, Passes Away at 81

Nikki Giovanni, a celebrated poet and activist, died on December 9, 2024, at the age of 81. Known for her powerful and evocative poetry, Giovanni was a key figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and ’70s. Her work often explored themes of race, identity, and social justice. Her influential poems such as “Nikki-Rosa” and “Ego-Tripping (there may be a reason why)” have left an enduring legacy. Beyond her poetry, Giovanni was a dedicated educator, spending decades at Virginia Tech. She was also a prominent voice in the fight for civil rights and social equality.