When she retired, she said she would miss talking wiht Virginia Tech students regularly. Her ultimate goal as a professor was to teach students to think deeply and ask questions.
“I want my students to not accept what they are hearing, but to look and say ‘what kind of sense does this make?’ and ‘what is going to be the end result?’” said Giovanni at the time of her retirement.
One former student,now a new York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning producer,can attest to the ways that Giovanni set him on a path to success. As a sophomore at Virginia Tech, author Kwame Alexander’s frist class under Giovanni was advanced poetry. It didn’t go well initially.
“I was that student who argued everything and pushed back on anything she offered,” Alexander said. “I thought I knew more than she did about poetry. Yet she kept letting me take her classes, kept teaching me, saw what was possible for me, and shaped me into who I am today.”
Giovanni became who Alexander described as his literary mother.
“I’m so grateful and so much better as of her,” he said.
Giovanni is survived by her son, thomas Giovanni, her granddaughter, Kai Giovanni, and other family members.
“We will forever feel blessed to have shared a legacy and love with our dear cousin,” said Allison Ragan, Giovanni’s cousin, in a statement on behalf of her family.
Virginia Tech alumni, students, and faculty reflect on Giovanni’s influence
Will Furrer ‘91, former Hokie and NFL quarterback who majored in English
Furrer said Giovanni’s classes were the key to helping him find his voice. Her classroom discussions spanned multiple topics, from music and art to political issues.
“I think she was trying to work the room in a way that was challenging the way we thought in the past or the way that we would think in the future,” said Furrer, an executive fellow for strategy for Q2 banking in Austin, Texas.
He described Giovanni’s pointed questions as constant voices on his shoulder throughout his career.
“That’s the way in which nikki was able to pass on her creative brilliance to so many others, with these very simple and portable lessons,” Furrer said.
Aileen Murphy, senior English instructor who directs the annual Giovanni-Steger Poetry prize competition
“Nikki Giovanni was a bright light in our lives.She regularly brought poetry to everyone’s experience at Virginia Tech, not only as a teacher and a colleague, but also with the poetry prize that she established with President Charles Steger. Every undergraduate student, no matter what field they are in, is encouraged to submit a poem to this competition, sending the message that everyone is capable of making art focusing on, remembering, and celebrating the big and the small moments in our lives. There are many positive qualities of the Virginia Tech student experience, but this is one that gets to our very soul as a university.”
Kelly Barker,a junior at Virginia Tech,majoring in creative writing and professional and technical writing
“When Prof. Giovanni was onstage, it didn’t matter if she was reciting poetry, singing, or telling jokes.The audience always hung on to her every word. She could work a crowd like she was born for it, and could make people laugh and cry with a single poem. her spirit was infectious and her words and works uplifted everyone who was lucky enough to be her audience.”
Amy Price Azano, professor of adolescent literacy and rural education
Azano invited Giovanni to speak and read her poems to middle school students who live in rural areas of the state for a one-week camp on Virginia Tech’s campus. When Giovanni walked into the room, the students greeted her like they would a rock star.
“I watched in awe as she captivated a room of middle schoolers,” Azano said. “Nobody ever tells kids the truth, and Nikki spoke with them as if they were old friends. she entertained every question. We laughed with her when she shared that she had recently been an answer on Jeopardy,and that made her feel famous—but then the contestant answered ‘Alice Walker!’ On one hand,the campers knew they were in the presence of someone renowned,but her humility and humor and keen kindness made them feel like they belonged in the same places where she belonged.”
Giovanni taught the students that being authentic and sharing their own stories and truth is valuable,she said.
“I know she belonged to the world and was, in fact, otherworldly, but she was also ours,” Azano said.
gena Chandler, associate chair of the Department of English and associate professor
“Nikki was a wonder. So many people knew her as a phenomenal poet and teacher, but she was an even more exceptional human being—remarkably kind, compassionate, and loving.”
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on the legacy left by Nikki Giovanni? Share your reflections and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
What impact did Nikki Giovanni have on Kwame Alexander’s writing style and career?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Kwame Alexander, bestselling Author and Emmy Award-Winning Producer
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Kwame. It’s a privilege to speak with you about the enduring influence of your former professor, nikki Giovanni. As someone who has praised her greatly, can you share what Nikki’s teaching style was like?
Kwame Alexander: Thank you for having me. nikki’s teaching style was transformative. She had this astonishing ability to create a space where students felt both challenged and supported.It wasn’t just about reciting poetry or understanding it; she demanded that we engage with it, question it, and explore its depths. I initially struggled in her advanced poetry class—arguing with her and thinking I knew better—but she never gave up on me.
Editor: That’s an captivating dynamic. Can you elaborate on what you mean by “arguing with her”? What were you pushing back against?
Kwame Alexander: I was young and passionate, believing I had a solid grasp of poetry. In my mind, I was challenging the norms she presented. But in hindsight, I was really just testing my own understanding. what I didn’t realize then was that she saw potential in me, and instead of shutting me down, she nurtured that fire.That willingness to engage in dialogue turned into an invaluable learning experience.
Editor: It’s captivating how she acted as a mentor rather than just a customary teacher. What would you say was the most critically important lesson you learned from her?
Kwame Alexander: The most significant lesson was to think critically. Nikki always encouraged us to question everything: “What kind of sense does this make?” and “What might the end result be?” Those questions are not just about poetry; they apply to life. She taught me that it’s okay to question the status quo and to deeply analyze the world around us.
Editor: You’ve called her your “literary mother.” Can you share some personal insights that led you to feel this way?
Kwame Alexander: Absolutely. Beyond just the classroom,Nikki cared about her students. She celebrated our successes and offered support during our challenges. She invested in our futures beyond grades. I truly believe that her unwavering belief in me helped shape my identity as a writer and as a person.I’m forever grateful for that.
Editor: With her passing, how do you think her legacy will influence future generations of students and writers?
Kwame alexander: Nikki’s legacy will live on through her teachings and her body of work. She encouraged critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. I think future generations will continue to be inspired by her writings and the values she instilled in her students. Every time we ask questions or push boundaries, we honor her legacy.
Editor: Well said, Kwame. Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share about Nikki Giovanni?
Kwame Alexander: I just want to say how grateful I am to have been her student. she opened my mind and heart in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Nikki giovanni wasn’t just an educator; she was an architect of my dreams and a profound influence on countless lives. We will carry her spirit with us always.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Kwame.Your reflections on Nikki Giovanni are a lovely testament to her incredible influence, not just as a teacher, but as a mentor and a guiding light for many.