44 Nikki Giovanni
In This Chapter
Author Background
Nikki Giovanni, born on June 7, 1943, is an American poet, writer, commentator, and activist. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential and celebrated voices in contemporary African American literature.
Early Life
Nikki Giovanni was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and she grew up in a close-knit family and was influenced by her grandparents, who were active in the Civil Rights Movement. Giovanni attended Fisk University, a historically Black college in Nashville, Tennessee, where she began her literary journey and became involved in activism and the Black Arts Movement.
Writing Career
Giovanni gained recognition as a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Her first published collection of poetry, Black Feeling, Black Talk, was released in 1968 and established her as a distinctive voice in African American literature.
She went on to publish numerous collections of poetry, including Black Judgement (1969), My House (1972), Those Who Ride the Night Winds (1983), and Bicycles: Love Poems (2009), among others. In addition to poetry, Giovanni has written several books for children and young adults, as well as essays and memoirs.
Themes in Her Work
Giovanni’s poetry explores various themes, including race, love, family, social justice, and self-empowerment. Her writing is known for its lyrical style, engaging imagery, and the use of
vernacular language. Giovanni’s work often reflects her experiences as an African American woman and addresses the challenges faced by the Black community in America.
Activism
Throughout her career, Giovanni has been an outspoken advocate for social justice, equality, and civil rights. She has used her platform as a writer and speaker to address issues such as racism, sexism, and violence.
Legacy
Giovanni’s work has had a significant impact on both literary and cultural spheres, inspiring and influencing generations of readers and writers. Nikki Giovanni has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to literature and activism. Some notable accolades include the Langston Hughes Medal, the NAACP Image Award, and a Grammy nomination for her spoken word album The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection.
Answer the following true or false questions to test your knowledge of Nikki Giovanni’s life and career.
Follow the links below to read poetry selections from Nikki Giovanni and then use the discussion questions provided to dig deeper into each poem, exploring their themes, literary techniques, historical context, and their relevance to wider discussions about resilience, social justice, and agency.
“Poem for a Lady Whose Voice I Like”
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48226/poem-for-a-lady-whose-voice-i-like
- Explore the theme of voice and its significance in the poem. How does Giovanni convey her admiration for the lady’s voice? What qualities or characteristics of the voice does she highlight? How does the poem emphasize the power and impact of one’s voice?
- Analyze the use of imagery and sensory details in the poem. How does Giovanni paint a vivid picture of the lady and her voice through her descriptions? How do these images contribute to the overall tone and meaning of the poem?
- Discuss the connection between the lady’s voice and her identity. How does the poem suggest that the lady’s voice reflects who she is as a person? What does Giovanni convey about the relationship between one’s voice and their inner self?
- Reflect on the emotions evoked by the poem. How does Giovanni’s admiration for the lady’s voice come through in the language and tone of the poem? How does the poem make you feel as a reader? What emotions does it elicit and why?
- Consider the broader implications of the poem. How does “Poem for a Lady Whose Voice I Like” speak to larger themes or ideas beyond the specific subject of the lady’s voice? What does the poem suggest about the importance of appreciating and valuing the unique qualities of others?
- Reflect on the impact of the poem’s structure and form. How does the structure, rhythm, and use of repetition contribute to the overall effect of the poem? How does it enhance the portrayal of the lady’s voice and the poet’s admiration?
“A Historical Footnote to Consider Only When All Else Fails”
- Analyze the significance of the title, “A Historical Footnote to Consider Only When All Else Fails.” What does it suggest about the content and purpose of the poem? How does the title set the tone for the rest of the poem?
- Explore the theme of resilience and resistance in the poem. How does Giovanni depict the strength and endurance of African Americans throughout history? What historical events and figures are referenced in the poem, and how do they contribute to the overall message?
- Discuss the use of language and imagery in the poem. How does Giovanni convey the struggles and triumphs of African Americans through her choice of words and vivid descriptions? What effect does the repetition of certain phrases or images have on the poem’s meaning and impact?
- Reflect on the historical context of the poem. How does “A Historical Footnote to Consider Only When All Else Fails” relate to the broader historical experiences of African Americans, particularly in the fight against racism and oppression? What historical figures or events might have influenced the poem?
- Consider the poem’s message about hope and resilience. How does Giovanni inspire a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity? What does the poem suggest about the importance of remembering and honoring the struggles of the past?
- Reflect on the relevance of the poem in contemporary society. How does “A Historical Footnote to Consider Only When All Else Fails” resonate with current discussions about race, social justice, and equality? How does it urge readers to reflect on and engage with the historical legacy of African Americans?
“Choices”
https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/choices-144/
- Explore the theme of choices and their consequences in the poem. How does Giovanni convey the importance of making choices and taking responsibility for their outcomes? What specific choices and their potential consequences are presented in the poem?
- Analyze the use of imagery and symbolism in the poem. How does Giovanni use vivid descriptions and symbolic language to illustrate the different choices and their implications? How do these images enhance the overall meaning and impact of the poem?
- Discuss the poem’s perspective on personal agency and empowerment. How does Giovanni suggest that individuals have the power to shape their own lives through the choices they make? What does the poem convey about the relationship between choices, self-determination, and personal growth?
- Reflect on the idea of sacrifice presented in the poem. How does Giovanni depict the concept of sacrifice in relation to choices? What does the poem suggest about the trade-offs and difficult decisions individuals may face in pursuing their desires or dreams?
- Consider the emotional impact of the poem. How does Giovanni evoke a sense of introspection and self-reflection through her language and tone? How does the poem make you feel as a reader? What emotions does it elicit and why?
- Reflect on the universality of the poem’s message. How does “Choices” resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds and experiences? What broader themes or ideas does the poem explore that extend beyond the specific choices discussed?
Sources
Giovanni, Nikki. “Poem For A Lady Whose Voice I Like.” The Selected Poems of Nikki Giovanni. HarperCollins, 1996, Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48226/poem-for-a-lady-whose-voice-i-like
Giovanni, Nikki. “A Historical Footnote to Consider Only When All Else Fails.” Black Feeling, Black Talk, Black Judgment. HarperCollins, 1968, Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48216/a-historical-footnote-to-consider-only-when-all-else-fails
Giovanni, Nikki. “Choices.” Cotton Candy on a Rainy Day. Folkway Records, 1978, Poem Hunter, https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/choices-144/
“Nikki Giovanni.” Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/nikki-giovanni.
“Nikki Giovanni.” Academy of American Poets, www.poets.org/poet/nikki-giovanni.
“Nikki Giovanni.” Poem Hunter, https://www.poemhunter.com/nikki-giovanni/
The Black Arts Movement (BAM) was an African American-led art movement that was active during the 1960s and 1970s. Through activism and art, BAM created new cultural institutions and conveyed a message of black pride. The movement expanded from the incredible accomplishments of artists of the Harlem Renaissance.
Imagery is visual symbolism, or figurative language that evokes a mental image or other kinds of sense impressions.
Vernacular is the ordinary, informal, spoken form of language (also sometimes written), particularly when perceived as being of lower social status in contrast to standard language, which is more codified, institutional, literary, or formal.
A theme is a central topic, subject, or message within a narrative.
Tone is the attitude that a character or narrator or author takes towards a given subject.
Rhythm can be described as the beat and pace of a poem. The rhythmic beat is created by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line or verse.
