Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni
Yolande Cornelia "Nikki" Giovanni, Jr.is an American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. One of the world's most well-known African-American poets, her work includes poetry anthologies, poetry recordings, and nonfiction essays, and covers topics ranging from race and social issues to children's literature. She has won numerous awards, including the Langston Hughes Medal, the NAACP Image Award, and has been nominated for a Grammy Award, for her Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection. Additionally, she has recently been named as one of...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth7 June 1943
CityKnoxville, TN
CountryUnited States of America
you know a person is having a severe personality crisis if you see a high school class ring on a finger beyond the first semester in college. Male or female. It's a big sign saying nothing has mattered to my life since senior year.
All systems require myths for their longevity.
I am a huge fan of the Black woman. I never hesitate to recommend her when times are bad or things go wrong.
But nonviolence was never for the oppressor; it was for the oppressed.
America may not be the best nation on earth, but it has conceived loftier ideals and dreamed higher dreams than any other nation. America is a heterogeneous nation of many different people of different races, religions, and creeds. Should this experiment go forth and prosper, we will have offered humans a new way to look at life; should it fail, we will simply go the way of all failed civilizations.
If i can't have what i want . . . then my job is to want what i've got and be satisfied that at least there is something more to want
daddy says the world is a drum tight and hard and i told him i’m gonna beat out my own rhythm
If you don't understand yourself you don't understand anybody else.
Sacred cows make very poor gladiators.
In the name of peace They waged the wars ain't they got no shame
I'm glad I understand that while language is a gift, listening is a responsibility. (U.S. poet and writer, 1943- )
I grow old though pleased with my memories The tasks I can no longer complete Are balanced by the love of the tasks gone past I offer no apology only this plea: When I am frayed and strained and drizzle at the end Please someone cut a square and put me in a quilt That I might keep some child warm And some old person with no one else to talk to Will hear my whispers And cuddle near
We are better than we think and not yet what we want to be.
i hope i die warmed by the life that i tried to live