Nikki Giovanni, Poet and Activist, Dies at 81

Renowned poet and civil rights activist Nikki Giovanni passed away at the age of 81 on December 9, 2024, after battling lung cancer. Giovanni was a pivotal figure in the Black Arts Movement and used her writing to address issues of race, gender, and social justice, earning accolades such as the NAACP Image Awards and the Langston Hughes Award. Her work inspired many, including Oprah Winfrey, who credited Giovanni with helping her love poetry and herself. President Joe Biden praised her as a 'literary legend' and noted her courage in advancing racial and gender equality. Giovanni's legacy continues through her impactful poetry and her influence on generations of writers and activists.