Nikki Giovanni: Poetry, influencing the birth of hip-hop, and why being talented means being lonely

Q | Jan 18, 2024
Considered one of the world’s greatest living poets, Nikki Giovanni carved out a revolutionary legacy during the civil rights era with poems that uplifted the experiences of Black Americans. Decades later, Nikki’s writing and interviews have grown increasingly personal – offering insight into her childhood, health struggles and thoughts on growing older. She shares her story in the new documentary, “Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project.” Nikki tells Tom about being involved in the birth of hip-hop, why artists should go to space, and how she packed a club of 100 people, including guests like Morgan Freeman and Nina Simone.

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

Top Stories

Mayor Zohran Mamdani on the Stakes of the Midterms

"These weren't just barn owls. This was a family."

Defending the Midterms from Donald Trump

NJ's Best Pizza Joints; Brenda Iijima's New Brooklyn-based Haunted Thriller Novel

YOU ARE ONLINE