A Night with Nikki Giovanni

Motivational is a complete understatement. Nikki Giovanni was inspirational, influential, energetic, compelling, and impressive; in her speech at The Union Wednesday. Nikki didn’t make have anything to hide, or prove to anyone in the audience. She is all that she says she is. World renowned poet, speaker, activist, and writer has always been outspoken, and this was not different. Not afraid to show off her “Thug Life” tattoo, express her opinions about politics, her sympathy at the world, sharing her love of hip-hop, and encourage literacy among all of us.
Everyone knows the Nikki Giovanni who writes poetry. From love poems, to untitled ones. Nikki Giovanni has written many poetry books and even, children’s books. She has received numerous NAACP awards for her books. But, everyone was surprised when, she proudly showed off her “Thug Life” tattoo. The tattoo was a tribute to Tupac Shakur. The crowd roared in laughter, and small conversations emerged around me. Girls who had never seen her books or tattoo, snickered and carried on side conversations discussing the tattoo. Her love for Hip-Hop is astounding. She encouraged students to write to the postmaster to try and get a Hip-Hop stamp. The explained how she thinks hip-hop culture is a way of expression and that everyone should try to leave the negative out.
Nikki Giovanni’s historical context is inspirational. Just knowing Rosa Parks the last 21 years of her life, is amazing. Their relationship was strong up until Rosa Parks died. She joked with Rosa about all her achievements; but she seemed to make one mistake. Everyone in the audience quietly anticipated the response. Nikki said, “The only mistake Rosa Parks ever made was pledging AKA.” The laughs once again, filled the room. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta; Nikki had the AKA jokes rolled out, they were in full effect. Nikki was also not afraid to endorse Senator Barack Obama, and encourage us to vote. She stressed that she wouldn’t tell us who to vote for. She wanted to make the point that the right to vote was important, and couldn’t and shouldn’t be forfeited. The struggle would be worthless if we didn’t take advantage of the right to vote. Giovanni made it crystal clear, that you should never be afraid to voice and share your opinions, and not to let someone steal your ideas.
Giovanni couldn’t say enough about literacy. It’s the start to writing and the first thing you should learn. Both in children and adults, non-stop reading is key to success in this world. Know what is going on around you, in the world, your history, and build your knowledge. Nikki encourages students and adults to continue reading, read all varieties, and make your own opinions. If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything. Last but not least, she graced us with her poetry. Nikki told us the poems about the Pullman Porters, and Martin Luther King. The poetry and storytelling was amazing, the knowledge flowed through the room.
Nikki Giovanni is known for all her poetry, awards, and out-spoken words. But, you had to be at Southern University on January 30, 2008, to see another side of Nikki Giovanni. The encouragement of literacy to her love for Hip-Hop. Nikki Giovanni was powerful, influential, energetic, compelling, inspirational, and impressive. We won’t ever forget!