Nikki Giovanni, the charismatic and iconoclastic poet, activist, children’s book author and professor who wrote, irresistibly and sensuously, about race, politics, gender, sex and love, died on Monday in Blacksburg, Va. She was 81. Her death, in a hospital, was caused by complications of lung cancer, said Virginia C. Fowler, her wife. Source: The New York Times
This lesson introduces students to Nikki Giovanni’s extraordinary contributions as a poet, activist, professor, and cultural icon. Giovanni’s works celebrate Black culture, explore themes of identity and resistance, and highlight the beauty of everyday experiences.
Objectives
Students will:
- Explore the life and career of Nikki Giovanni.
- Analyze selected poems to identify her recurring themes and stylistic elements.
- Discuss Giovanni’s impact on literature, activism, and Black culture.
- Write their own poems inspired by Giovanni’s style.
But for all her renown as a resistance poet, Giovanni has always been just as likely to write about tenderness or breakfast food. (Food is a constant theme in her work, and she is an excellent cook, known among friends especially for her fried chicken, which she rubs down with ginger and cooks slowly in a bath of butter.) The New York Times.
Introduction
Begin the lesson by introducing Nikki Giovanni as a trailblazing figure in American literature and the Black Arts Movement. Show a brief video or share a quote to capture her vibrant personality and deep insights into race, gender, and identity.
Suggested resource:
- Nikki Giovanni’s official website (for biography, works, and updates).
Biography and Context
Provide an overview of Nikki Giovanni’s life:
- Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1943.
- Attended Fisk University, a historically Black college, and engaged in the Black Arts Movement.
- Published her debut poetry collection, Black Feeling, Black Talk, in 1968.
- Known for poems that embrace Black pride, community, and love, as well as addressing systemic issues.
- Longtime professor at Virginia Tech.
Nikki Giovanni reads “Black Lives Matter” from her powerful poetry collection, A Good Cry. pic.twitter.com/A2rgCYLWHT
— HarperCollins (@HarperCollins) June 5, 2020
Thank you for pointing that out! I’ll provide updated, functional links to accompany the lesson plan. Here’s the corrected section with reliable sources:
Poetry Analysis
Explore the following poems, focusing on their themes, style, and cultural significance:
- “Nikki-Rosa”
- Themes: Black joy, family, and community resilience amidst societal struggles.
- Activity: Discuss how Giovanni challenges stereotypes about Black life.
- Read the poem: Poetry Foundation – Nikki-Rosa.
- “Knoxville, Tennessee”
- Themes: Nostalgia, Southern Black culture, and simple joys like church picnics.
- Activity: Identify sensory details Giovanni uses to evoke a sense of place.
- Read the poem: Academy of American Poets – Knoxville, Tennessee.
- “The Laws of Motion”
- Themes: Change, activism, and personal relationships.
- Activity: Discuss the metaphorical language Giovanni uses to connect personal and societal dynamics.
- Read the poem: Available in The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni.
- “Poem for a Lady Whose Voice I Like“
- Themes: Intersectionality of racism and sexism, Black women’s resilience.
- Activity: Analyze how Giovanni highlights both pain and empowerment in this poem.
- Read the poem: Find it in The Selected Poems of Nikki Giovanni.
Discussion Topics
Facilitate a class discussion around these guiding questions:
- How does Giovanni make complex topics accessible to readers of all ages?
- Why is it important to celebrate joy and resilience alongside struggles in literature?
- How do Giovanni’s works remain relevant in today’s social and cultural context?
Writing Activity
Ask students to write a poem inspired by Giovanni’s style.
- Prompt: Write about a personal experience or memory that reflects your cultural background or community.
- Encourage sensory details and personal reflection, similar to Giovanni’s approach in “Knoxville, Tennessee” or “Nikki-Rosa.”
Optional resource for inspiration:
Conclusion
Summarize Giovanni’s legacy:
- A poet who celebrated Black life, challenged societal norms, and connected deeply with her readers.
- An educator who inspired countless students and audiences.
End with this quote:
“We write because we believe the human spirit cannot be tamed and should not be trained.” – Nikki Giovanni
Suggested extension:
Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin in conversation
Career and Impact
Highlight key milestones:
- Published Black Feeling, Black Talk in 1968, part of the Black Arts Movement.
- Received accolades like a Grammy nomination (The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection) and an Emmy Award (Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project).
- Mentored generations through her teaching at Virginia Tech.
