Eminent American poet, writer, and civil rights activist Nikki Giovanni passed away at age 81 after a prolonged struggle with cancer. 

Born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni Jr. on June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Ms. Giovanni was a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. 

Her friend and fellow writer, Renee Watson, confirmed in a statement to CNN that she "died peacefully on December 9, 2024, with her life-long partner, Virginia (Ginney) Fowler, by her side."

“We will forever be grateful for the unconditional time she gave to us, to all her literary children across the writerly world,” poet Kwame Alexander told US media.

Her work often explored themes of racial and gender equality, reflecting on her childhood in Tennessee and Ohio, and her struggles with lung cancer.

Giovanni’s poetry collections, including “Black Feeling, Black Talk” and “Knoxville, Tennessee,” highlighted her distinctive voice and artistic style.

In addition to her poetry, she was a prolific author of children's literature, having published 11 books, and garnered numerous accolades such as the NAACP Image Award, the Rosa Parks Award, and the Langston Hughes Award.

Throughout her professional journey, Giovanni served as a creative writing and literature instructor at Virginia Tech, where she held the title of University Distinguished Professor.

Her impact reached far beyond the classroom, motivating countless students, artists, and activists over the years.

She maintained friendships with prominent individuals such as Rosa Parks, Aretha Franklin, James Baldwin, Nina Simone, and Muhammad Ali.

Giovanni’s enduring legacy will be honored through her body of work, which has earned her a Grammy nomination and 27 honorary degrees.