The legendary African American poet Nikki Giovanni passed away this week at the age of 81. Since fiercely coming onto the scene during the Black Power movement of the 1960s, Giovanni established a rich and powerful literary legacy. Her work often celebrated the power of Black joy contained within the fight for civil rights by reminding readers that "Black love is Black wealth". Today on the show, we feature a conversation between Rachel Martin, host of NPR's Wild Card, and Nikki Giovanni from earlier this year. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
I'm Aisha Roscoe, and this is a Sunday story from Up First.
I always like summer best.
You can eat fresh corn from daddy's garden and okra and greens and cabbage and lots of barbecue and buttermilk and homemade ice cream at the church picnic.
These are the words of the great African American poet Nikki Giovanni from her poem Knoxville, Tennessee.
She died earlier this week at the age of 81.
Nikki Giovanni was called many things, the poet of the black revolution, activist, spoken word artist, cultural icon, children's book author, professor, Christian, radiant voice of black joy and struggle.
To me, she was also an unapologetic truth teller.
And some of her words and poems, I could feel them at a molecular level.
That's how much I related to them.
Giovanni grew up with an alcoholic, abusive father in a house without indoor plumbing.
And while she was never afraid to explore those hardships in her poetry, she also celebrated what was beautiful about community, food and family.
Earlier this year, my colleague and host of the podcast Wild Card, Rachel Martin, spoke to Nikki Giovanni.
Today we bring you this incredible conversation.
Do you think about the legacy that you will leave behind?
No.
Wow, I'm surprised by that answer.
Huh?
No.
Cause it gets you caught up in your life, and that's not what you're like.
Your life is not about your life.