Acclaimed poet and activist Nikki Giovanni dies at 81

By Chris Boyette, CNN

Renowned poet, activist, author and professor Nikki Giovanni has died. She was 81.

“The acclaimed poet, Black Arts Movement icon whose poems of wit, wonder, and wisdom were celebrated in children’s books, on keynote stages and television shows, and in more than two dozen bestselling poetry collections, died peacefully on December 9, 2024, with her life-long partner, Virginia [Ginney] Fowler, by her side,” said an announcement from friend and fellow writer Renée Watson.

“We will forever feel blessed to have shared a legacy and love with our dear cousin,” said Allison Ragan in a statement on behalf of Giovanni’s family. The statement did not say how Giovanni died.

Known for her work on civil rights and social issues — especially gender and race — the passionate and prolific iconoclast published dozens of volumes of poetry, essays and anthologies, and more than 10 children’s books, according to a profile on the website of Virginia Tech, where she was Emerita Professor in the Department of English and on faculty since 1987.

Keep reading to learn more about Giovanni’s life and accomplishments.

Learn about other Civil Rights activists.

More Black history and culture news.