June 7, 1943 – December 9, 2024
Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni Jr., one of the world’s most celebrated poets and an iconic voice in African-American literature, passed away on December 9, 2024, in Blacksburg, Virginia, at the age of 81. Born on June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Giovanni’s prolific career as a poet, writer, activist, and educator spanned decades, shaping cultural discourse and inspiring generations. Her death, in a hospital, was caused by complications of lung cancer, said Virginia C. Fowler, her wife (married in 2016, and both retired in 2022). In addition to Ms. Fowler, Ms. Giovanni is survived by her son, Thomas, and a granddaughter.
Giovanni’s work addressed issues of race, social justice, and cultural identity while also exploring themes of love and family. The Black lesbian icon’s numerous poetry anthologies, recordings, and essays established her as a pioneering literary figure. She achieved a rare feat in the literary world by authoring three New York Times and Los Angeles Times bestsellers—an extraordinary accomplishment for a poet.
Among her many accolades, Giovanni won seven NAACP Image Awards, the Rosa Parks Award, and the Langston Hughes Award for Distinguished Contributions to Arts and Letters. She was nominated for the National Book Award and received 20 honorary doctorates throughout her career.
In addition to her literary achievements, Giovanni was a beloved educator, serving as a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech before retiring in 2022. Her passion for teaching matched her dedication to activism and art. Giovanni’s legacy as a poet and cultural icon will endure through her transformative works, which continue to inspire readers worldwide. She will be remembered not only for her words but for her unwavering commitment to justice and human connection.
