Keynote Speaker: Poet, Educator & Best-Selling Author
Nikki Giovanni
Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000
Travels From:
Primary Topic Category: Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles
Secondary Topic Category: African American & Black
Nikki Giovanni At A Glance:
Poet Nikki Giovanni was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on June 7, 1943. Although she grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, she and her sister returned to Knoxville each summer to visit their grandparents. Nikki graduated with honors in history from her grandfather's alma mater, Fisk University. Since 1987, she has been on the faculty at Virginia Tech, where she is a University Distinguished Professor.
Nikki Giovanni is not only a world-renowned poet, but also one of America’s most widely read poets. The author of some thirty books for children as well as adults, she is the recipient of many awards and honors, including seven N.A.A.C.P. Image Awards, the first Rosa Parks Woman of Courage Award, the Langston Hughes Medal for Poetry, the Carl Sandburg Literary Award, and, most recently, the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize. She was named one of twenty-five Living Legends by Oprah Winfrey, has been given the keys to more than two dozen cities, and awarded thirty-one honorary doctorates by universities across the country.
-
Human by the Grace of God: A View of Diversity
-
Tennessean By Birth; Poet By Choice
-
Celebrating Black Heroes and Heroines
-
Women's Lives, Women's Power
-
Using the Past to Shape the Future
Nikki rocked the house! Her candor, wisdom, poetry, and humor definitely energized the crowd.— University of Florida
Dr. Giovanni was a huge hit with students, faculty, staff, and community guests. I have no hesitations about recommending Dr. Giovanni to other colleagues. Everyone had a wonderful time!— University of Tennessee
Nikki was a great speaker and a terrific person to be able to meet. We had great attendance. Thanks for all your help in bringing Nikki to our campus. We look forward to working with you again in the future.— Garden City Community College
