Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni, born June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee, is an acclaimed American poet, writer, and activist. She gained prominence during the Black Arts Movement with her 1968 collection, "Black Feeling, Black Talk." Giovanni's 1970 publication, "Gemini," was a finalist for the National Book Award. Her 1978 anthology, "Cotton Candy on a Rainy Day," poignantly explores personal and social themes. Giovanni has also received multiple NAACP Image Awards. In 2004, she published the best-selling children's book, "Rosa," honoring civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Giovanni is a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, where she has taught since 1987.