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Creation Date
1-16-2025
Description
The RISD community mourns the passing of Nikki Giovanni, poet, author, activist and educator. World-renowned and one of the foremost authors of the Black Arts Movement, Giovanni, through her work, explored race, gender, sexuality, politics and the Black family. Her career, spanning seven decades, manifested in a prolific body of work ranging from poetry, essays and nonfiction to recordings and children’s literature. In 2002, Giovanni’s poetry graced the Smithsonian Institution’s first major exhibition honoring Dr. King titled In the Spirit of Martin: the Living Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In her introduction to the catalogue she urged,
This is a sacred poem…open your arms… turn your palms up…
feel the Spirit of Greatness… and be redeemed
Planned as RISD’s 13th MLK keynote speaker, Nikki Giovanni will be counted among previous keynote speakers who have left their indelible mark on our community. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee posthumously salutes Nikki Giovanni for her distinguished artistry, her groundbreaking achievements and her unwavering vision toward a society imbued with freedom and justice for all. May her passion, poetry and power continue to inspire us and generations to come.
The 2025 MLK Committee requests that the RISD community continue to save the date of Thursday January 16, 2025. A schedule of events will be provided in January.
Please click here to reflect more on Nikki Giovanni’s life, legacy and impact. Questions can be emailed to sei@risd.edu
Keywords
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; MLK Series; Equity; Justice; Democracy; Activism; Celebration; Privilege; Service; Learning; Inspiration; Intercultural Student Engagement; Residence Life; Community Service; Center for Student Involvement; Center for Social Equity and Inclusion; SEI; poster