Top-Rated Speakers Bureau and Entertainment Booking Agency for Corporate Meetings and Business Events. Book an AAE Speaker Today.
Top-Rated Speakers Bureau and Entertainment Booking Agency for Corporate Meetings and Business Events. Book an AAE Speaker Today.
Click to Open Search Bar

Nikki Giovanni

Speaker RatingSpeaker RatingSpeaker RatingSpeaker RatingSpeaker Rating
4.92 out of 5

Poet, Educator & Best-Selling Author

Nikki Giovanni

Speaker RatingSpeaker RatingSpeaker RatingSpeaker RatingSpeaker Rating
4.92 out of 5

Poet, Educator & Best-Selling Author

Travels From Travels From:
Virginia, USA
Speaking Fee Speaking Fee:
REQUEST BOOKING INFORMATION

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.

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

  • Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project | HBO
    “I remember what’s important and I make up the rest. That’s what storytelling’s all about.” GoingtoMars: The Nikki Giovanni Project, an...
  • 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!
    Iconic poet and professor Nikki Giovanni says she is not fighting cancer, but she is living with cancer.

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

  • Best Keynote Speakers to Book in 2024

    Top Keynote Speakers for 2024 Events

    From bestselling authors and celebrities to successful business leaders and pro athletes, the popular keynote speakers in this list are leaving their mark on a variety of industries. Whether it's through passionate activism,...

  • 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 2024

    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...

  • Top Commencement Speakers for Colleges and Universities. Hire a Commencement Speaker Today.

    Popular Commencement Speakers for Universities

    An inspiring commencement speaker's message can stay with college graduates for years after they hang up their cap and gown. Every year, college students are eager to hear from some of the most popular motivational keynote...

  • 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 include successful business leaders, passionate activists, bestselling authors, celebrities, and highly sought-after authorities in their fields. Ranging from AI and the future of...

  • 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....

FAQs on booking Nikki Giovanni

  • How do I book Nikki Giovanni to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Nikki Giovanni for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability 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 speaking fee information and check availability for Nikki Giovanni or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Nikki Giovanni

    Speaking fees for Nikki Giovanni, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Nikki Giovanni are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Nikki Giovanni, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Nikki Giovanni speak about?

  • Where does Nikki Giovanni travel from?

    Nikki Giovanni generally travels from Virginia, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Nikki Giovanni’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Nikki Giovanni for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker 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. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, 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 speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Nikki Giovanni or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.

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 Tamika D. Mallory, Ellen McGirt, Bakari Sellers, Ijeoma Oluo and Clayborne Carson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Nikki Giovanni for an upcoming live or virtual event.

Tell us about your event!

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

  • Customized Service

    Our agents find the right fit for your event

  • Unparalleled Database

    Full access to all speakers & celebrities

  • One Stop Shopping

    A reliable and unbiased point of contact

  • Logistics Management

    Your personal Logistics Manager who takes care of all event details

Speakers Similar to Nikki Giovanni

related speakers 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.

TOP