about the author

Poet, professor, lecturer, and essayist Nikki Giovanni was one of the most outspoken voices of the Black Rights movement in the 1960s. Other work by Giovanni focuses on family and relationships. She has also written several books for children. About poetry, Giovanni has commented: "Nobody ever got married reading the latest rap record. They turn to poetry. So poetry has its place. It offers comfort, it's celebratory and joyful."