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Nikki Giovanni

4.95 out of 5
6 reviews

Poet, Educator & Best-Selling Author

  Categories:
Activism, Authors, Black Heritage, Business, Cancer Speakers, Commencement, Culture, Diversity Speakers, Education, Health and Wellness, Influential Women, Journalism, Liberal Speakers, Literary, Motivation, Personal Growth, Poetry, Political Speakers, Relationships, Science and Technology, Small Business, Social Justice, Speakers by Industry, University Speakers, Virtual Speakers, Women's Issues
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Nikki Giovanni Biography

Nikki Giovanni is one of America’s most widely read poets and among the most renowned poets world-wide. Her poem, “Knoxville, Tennessee,” is arguably the single literary work most often associated with that city.

Giovanni was born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni, Jr. in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1943, but her parents moved to the all-black Cincinnati suburb of Lincoln Heights when she was an infant. She and her sisters spent the summers with their grandparents in Knoxville, and she returned there for her high school years. She enrolled as an early entrant at Fisk University, where her grandfather had graduated, but was “released” in February in 1961, because her attitudes were deemed inappropriate for a “Fisk woman.” She then returned home and took classes at the University of Cincinnati until she returned to Fisk in 1964. At Fisk, she reinstituted the school’s chapter of SNCC, edited the literary magazine, and graduated magna cum laude in history in 1967. Returning to Cincinnati, she directed the city’s first Black Arts Festival before enrolling briefly in the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Work. Recognizing that she was not meant to be a social worker, she entered Columbia University’s MFA program. In 1968 she self-published her first poetry book, a nineteen-page staple-bound volume entitled, "Black Feeling Black Talk," which sold some 2,000 copies in its first few months, which allowed Giovanni to self-publish her second book of poetry, "Black Judgement." William Morrow & Company approached her about publishing her first two volumes together in one book, and "Black Feeling Black Talk/Black Judgement" was published in 1970.

During the late 60s and early 70s, Giovanni lived in New York and, after giving birth to her only child, Thomas, began earning an income through her lectures and poetry readings. Her frequent appearances on the Black entertainment show "SOUL!!," along with her extensive lecture tours, made her one of the most popular and recognizable poets of the Black Arts Movement. In 1971, "Gemini: An Extended Autobiographical Statement on My First Twenty-Five Years of Being a Black Poet" was a finalist for the National Book Award. In that same year she published her first children’s book, "Spin a Soft Black Song," and released the album "Truth Is On Its Way," on which she read her poetry with and in juxtaposition to the New York Community Choir; although she made no money from it, it was an enormous success, selling some 100,000 copies in the first six months of its release.

In 1978, Giovanni’s father suffered a stroke, and she and her son returned to Cincinnati to take care of her parents, and she did brief teaching stints at The Ohio State University and the College of Mount St. Joseph on the Ohio. In 1987 Nikki Giovanni began teaching at Virginia Tech, where she was named, in 1999, a University Distinguished Professor. Since she has been at Virginia Tech, she has published two collections of essays, several illustrated children’s books (including the award-winning Rosa), and ten volumes of poetry for adults. In 2005, both her mother and her sister died of lung cancer, for which Giovanni herself had undergone successful surgery some ten years earlier. The loss of her mother was as profound a blow as she had ever experienced. At the age of 74, Giovanni was also diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy.

Giovanni has received numerous awards in the course of her career, including seven Image Awards from the N.A.A.C.P., more than two-dozen honorary degrees, the first Rosa Parks Woman of Courage Award, the Langston Hughes Medal for Poetry, and the Carl Sandburg Literary Award; additionally, Oprah Winfrey recognized her in 2005 as one of twenty-five “Living Legends.” She continues to teach, write, and publish books, the most recent of which is "A Good Cry." Her newest collection, "Make Me Rain," was released in October of 2020.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Nikki Giovanni and other top speakers and celebrities.

BOOK Nikki Giovanni
Speaking Topics

  • 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

  • The Power of Storytelling

Videos
BOOK Nikki Giovanni
Books
A Good Cry: What We Learn From Tears and Laughter

A Good Cry: What We Learn From Tears and Laughter

Lincoln And Douglass: An American Friendship

Lincoln And Douglass: An American Friendship

The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni: 1968-1998

The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni: 1968-1998

On My Journey Now: Looking At African-american History Through The Spirituals

On My Journey Now: Looking At African-american History Through The Spirituals

Racism 101

Racism 101

News
FAQs

  • HOW TO BOOK Nikki Giovanni?

    Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Nikki Giovanni for both live and virtual events for over 15 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment. Fill out a booking request form for Nikki Giovanni, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Nikki Giovanni or any other celebrity of your choice.

  • HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BOOK Nikki Giovanni?

    Speaking fees for Nikki Giovanni, or any other keynote speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The amount that Nikki Giovanni charges to speak often varies according to the circumstances, including their schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. The speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Nikki Giovanni, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.

  • WHO IS THE AGENT FOR Nikki Giovanni?

    All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Nikki Giovanni for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Nikki Giovanni for your next private or corporate function.

  • WHAT IS A FULL-SERVICE TALENT BOOKING AGENCY?

    All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Nikki Giovanni or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Nikki Giovanni or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.
Check Availability

Tell us about your event!

During normal business hours, we respond to most inquiries within 4 hours.

Users also viewed these speakers:

This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.

Nikki Giovanni

4.95 out of 5
6 reviews

Poet, Educator & Best-Selling Author

Travels From:
Virginia, USA
Speaking Fee:
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000
Virtual Event: $10,000 - $20,000
More Fee Info
Categories:
Activism, Authors, Black Heritage, Business, Cancer Speakers, Commencement, Culture, Diversity Speakers, Education, Health and Wellness, Influential Women, Journalism, Liberal Speakers, Literary, Motivation, Personal Growth, Poetry, Political Speakers, Relationships, Science and Technology, Small Business, Social Justice, Speakers by Industry, University Speakers, Virtual Speakers, Women's Issues

Nikki Giovanni Biography

Nikki Giovanni is one of America’s most widely read poets and among the most renowned poets world-wide. Her poem, “Knoxville, Tennessee,” is arguably the single literary work most often associated with that city.

Giovanni was born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni, Jr. in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1943, but her parents moved to the all-black Cincinnati suburb of Lincoln Heights when she was an infant. She and her sisters spent the summers with their grandparents in Knoxville, and she returned there for her high school years. She enrolled as an early entrant at Fisk University, where her grandfather had graduated, but was “released” in February in 1961, because her attitudes were deemed inappropriate for a “Fisk woman.” She then returned home and took classes at the University of Cincinnati until she returned to Fisk in 1964. At Fisk, she reinstituted the school’s chapter of SNCC, edited the literary magazine, and graduated magna cum laude in history in 1967. Returning to Cincinnati, she directed the city’s first Black Arts Festival before enrolling briefly in the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Work. Recognizing that she was not meant to be a social worker, she entered Columbia University’s MFA program. In 1968 she self-published her first poetry book, a nineteen-page staple-bound volume entitled, "Black Feeling Black Talk," which sold some 2,000 copies in its first few months, which allowed Giovanni to self-publish her second book of poetry, "Black Judgement." William Morrow & Company approached her about publishing her first two volumes together in one book, and "Black Feeling Black Talk/Black Judgement" was published in 1970.

During the late 60s and early 70s, Giovanni lived in New York and, after giving birth to her only child, Thomas, began earning an income through her lectures and poetry readings. Her frequent appearances on the Black entertainment show "SOUL!!," along with her extensive lecture tours, made her one of the most popular and recognizable poets of the Black Arts Movement. In 1971, "Gemini: An Extended Autobiographical Statement on My First Twenty-Five Years of Being a Black Poet" was a finalist for the National Book Award. In that same year she published her first children’s book, "Spin a Soft Black Song," and released the album "Truth Is On Its Way," on which she read her poetry with and in juxtaposition to the New York Community Choir; although she made no money from it, it was an enormous success, selling some 100,000 copies in the first six months of its release.

In 1978, Giovanni’s father suffered a stroke, and she and her son returned to Cincinnati to take care of her parents, and she did brief teaching stints at The Ohio State University and the College of Mount St. Joseph on the Ohio. In 1987 Nikki Giovanni began teaching at Virginia Tech, where she was named, in 1999, a University Distinguished Professor. Since she has been at Virginia Tech, she has published two collections of essays, several illustrated children’s books (including the award-winning Rosa), and ten volumes of poetry for adults. In 2005, both her mother and her sister died of lung cancer, for which Giovanni herself had undergone successful surgery some ten years earlier. The loss of her mother was as profound a blow as she had ever experienced. At the age of 74, Giovanni was also diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy.

Giovanni has received numerous awards in the course of her career, including seven Image Awards from the N.A.A.C.P., more than two-dozen honorary degrees, the first Rosa Parks Woman of Courage Award, the Langston Hughes Medal for Poetry, and the Carl Sandburg Literary Award; additionally, Oprah Winfrey recognized her in 2005 as one of twenty-five “Living Legends.” She continues to teach, write, and publish books, the most recent of which is "A Good Cry." Her newest collection, "Make Me Rain," was released in October of 2020.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Nikki Giovanni and other top speakers and celebrities.

BOOK Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni Speaking Topics

  • 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

  • The Power of Storytelling

Nikki Giovanni Videos

  • Nikki Giovanni On Black Women In America + Her Latest Work
    Nikki Giovanni On Black Women In America + Her Latest Work
    The Breakfast Club features celebrity interviews, Charlamagne tha God’s Donkey of the Day, Angela Yee’s Rumor Reports, DJ Envy’s mixes and so...
  • Nikki Giovanni: I Am Living with Cancer!
    Nikki Giovanni: I Am "Living" with Cancer!
    Iconic poet and professor Nikki Giovanni says she is not fighting cancer, but she is living with cancer.
  • Nikki Giovanni reads Black Lives Matter
    Nikki Giovanni reads "Black Lives Matter"
    Subscribe to HarperCollins Studio to see all the newest videos! - http://goo.gl/Rge4H3​ Discover more great books and authors at:...
See All Videos »

Nikki Giovanni Books

A Good Cry: What We Learn From Tears and Laughter
A Good Cry: What We Learn From Tears and Laughter
Lincoln And Douglass: An American Friendship
Lincoln And Douglass: An American Friendship
The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni: 1968-1998
The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni: 1968-1998
On My Journey Now: Looking At African-american History Through The Spirituals
On My Journey Now: Looking At African-american History Through The Spirituals
Racism 101
Racism 101

Speaker Lists Featuring Nikki Giovanni

Women's History Month: Authors

Women's History Month: Authors

Are you looking for an inspirational woman to speak at your event? In honor of Women's History Month, these successful women have touched the lives of many through literature. The success of these female authors motivates...

Women's History Month Speakers <25K

Women's History Month Speakers Under $25,000

Celebrated in March, Women’s History Month celebrates every woman in our past and present who has made a difference in our nation and around the world. The female keynote speakers in this list are trailblazers in business,...

BIPOC Speakers

BIPOC Speakers

BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and people of color. The term is intended to foster solidarity among Black, Indigenous and communities of color, and to include everyone's voice in the fight for inclusivity and equality....

Top Diversity Speakers Who Address Intersectionality

Intersectionality Speakers Fighting For Equality

People’s race, gender, disability, and sexual orientation all interact to affect their lived experience. Intersectionality describes how all these different elements of a person’s identity can be discriminated against....

Inspiring Speakers Fighting For a World Free from Racism & Discrimination

Anti-Racism & Discrimination Speakers

Are you ready to take the next steps towards combating racism and societal discrimination based on age, poverty, disability, sexual orientation, or religion? These activists, authors, and educators are experts on systemic...

Expert Speakers on Sociology, Economics, and More

Knowledgeable Social Science Speakers

With a focus on society and relationships, the social sciences include economics, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and more. These respected men and women have contributed to their discipline with lectures, published...

Women's History Month: Inspiring Female Leaders & Role Models

Women's History Month: The Resonating Voices of 2023

Celebrated in March, Women’s History Month focuses on the diverse group of inspiring women who have made a difference in our nation and around the world. As we look back on great female role models who impacted our past,...

Inspiring Keynote Speakers for Black History Month

Leading Speakers for Black History Month

Since 1976, the United States has set aside the month of February to celebrate Black History Month. This month highlights the achievements, struggles, and diverse experiences of African Americans, and celebrates their...

Popular Books by Black Authors

Popular Black Authors

Literature can provide some of the most illuminating stories told by Black voices. The award-winning Black writers in this list have published books in a variety of genres, including personal memoirs, biographies, historical...

Leading Keynote Speakers Who Have Beaten Cancer

Top Speakers on Surviving Cancer and Cancer Awareness

Every year, the inspirational keynote speakers in this list unite in the fight against cancer. Events are planned in cities around the world to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. As...

Motivational Speakers Who Have Survived Breast Cancer

Inspirational Breast Cancer Speakers & Survivors

For every 8 women in the U.S., 1 will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. As cancer survivors, this is a shocking statistic that the motivational health speakers in this list understand on a personal level....

Talented Poets to Speak at Your Next Event

Top Poets for Speaking Events

"Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful," asserts poet Rita Dove. Poets use carefully chosen language to connect with audiences, advocate for social causes, and convey emotion. These inspiring keynote...

Lung Cancer Speakers: Survivors & Advocates

Lung Cancer Survivors & Advocates

Lung cancer is responsible for 1 out of 4 cancer deaths, making it the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Lung Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated annually in November to raise awareness for increased...

Most Popular Keynote Speakers for Events

Audience Favorites: Top Rated Keynote Speakers

The popular keynote speakers in this list are successful business leaders, passionate activists, bestselling authors, celebrities, and highly regarded authorities in their fields. Ranging from technology and politics to...

Award-Winning Authors

Award-Winning Authors In a Variety of Literary Genres

These acclaimed authors speak to us through their powerful stories, captivating readers with the written word. Renowned literature speakers, they have had an impact on millions of readers through their writing, and they can...

Popular & Diverse Women Writers

Inspiring Women of Color Behind Today’s Popular Books

These women offer diverse voices in the world of literature. Their books have impressed critics, won awards, and delighted readers. From bestselling memoirs to fictional worlds, their words have touched audiences across the...

Trending Female Authors for Literary and Creative Events

Creative Female Authors of Bestselling Books

Famous for their creative and vulnerable storytelling, the bestselling female authors in this list have written successful novels, memoirs, poetry and essay collections, and children's books. From deeply personal stories to...

Top University Speakers: Andy Fastow Speaking to Ivey Business School Students via Webcast

Popular College Speakers Considered To Be University Influencers

These popular university speakers specialize in fields ranging from business to political activism. They are dedicated professionals who have attained positions of leadership in their industries and communities. Their...

Inspiring Advocates for Human Rights & Equality

Leading Activists Fighting for Social Justice

These inspirational social justice speakers have decided to stand up against injustice and to fight for social change. They are social activists, advocates, bestselling authors, educators, political and business leaders....

Browse All Keynote Speaker Lists »

FAQs on booking Nikki Giovanni

  • How to book Nikki Giovanni?

    Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Nikki Giovanni for both live and virtual events for over 20 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment. Fill out a booking request form for Nikki Giovanni, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Nikki Giovanni or any other celebrity of your choice.

  • How much does it cost to book Nikki Giovanni?

    Speaking fees for Nikki Giovanni, or any other keynote speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The amount that Nikki Giovanni charges to speak often varies according to the circumstances, including their schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. The speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Nikki Giovanni, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.

  • Who is the agent for Nikki Giovanni?

    All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Nikki Giovanni for clients worldwide for more than 20 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Nikki Giovanni for your next private or corporate function.

  • What is a full-service talent booking agency?

    All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Nikki Giovanni or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Nikki Giovanni or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.

Nikki Giovanni is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as 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 and The Power of Storytelling. The estimated speaking fee range to book Nikki Giovanni for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Nikki Giovanni generally travels from VA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Ellen McGirt, Tamika D. Mallory, Clayborne Carson, Dorothy Roberts and Bakari Sellers. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Nikki Giovanni for an upcoming live or virtual event.

BOOK Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni Speaking Topics

  • 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

  • The Power of Storytelling

Nikki Giovanni Speaker Videos

  • Nikki Giovanni On Black Women In America + Her Latest Work
    Nikki Giovanni On Black Women In America + Her Latest Work
    The Breakfast Club features celebrity interviews, Charlamagne tha God’s Donkey of the Day, Angela Yee’s Rumor Reports, DJ Envy’s mixes and so much more! Every guest visiting the world’s...
    Nikki Giovanni: I Am "Living" with Cancer!
    Nikki Giovanni: I Am Living with Cancer!
    Iconic poet and professor Nikki Giovanni says she is not fighting cancer, but she is living with cancer.
  • Nikki Giovanni reads "Black Lives Matter"
    Nikki Giovanni reads Black Lives Matter
    Subscribe to HarperCollins Studio to see all the newest videos! - http://goo.gl/Rge4H3​ Discover more great books and authors at: http://www.harpercollins.com​ HarperCollins Studio is your...
    WIU Keynote Speaker Nikki Giovanni
    WIU Keynote Speaker Nikki Giovanni
    On Thursday, March 1, 2018, Nikki Giovanni will deliver a keynote on the intersectionality of Black History and Women History. Please join us in the University Union Heritage Room. Giovanni is an...
  • Why Not the Right Thing the First Time | Nikki Giovanni | TEDxHerndon
    Why Not the Right Thing the First Time | Nikki Giovanni | TEDxHerndon
    Life is good; love is fun. Why not enjoy them both? This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
BOOK Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni News

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Speakers Similar to Nikki Giovanni

This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.

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