The Conversation: Nikki Giovanni

[Smiley and West]

		Poet and professor Nikki Giovanni talks about Virginia Tech’s deadly shooting almost five years ago, as well as her take on writer James Baldwin.
		Producer’s Note: This conversation was recorded during the recent shooting incident and campus lockdown. However, no one was aware of this until after the conversation ended. We are told that Nikki Giovanni and her colleagues are safe.

[UMOJA]

Thank you!

[Paula Fordham]

Greetings!

I really enjoyed your comments and your conversation with Smiley and West! Sister Nikki, you are a fierce poet and I remember seeing you at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia  in the 70's. The energy in your words opened my eyes and my mind to another dimension of the power of words. The lyrical element in your poetry was a portal to an awareness that was awaken. Trust me You are fierce and majestic in voice.

Hopefully, I will be able to attend the celebration of our beloved sister Toni Morrison in September 2012. Happy Holiday and remember to Keep the Faith!!

[Tessa Byrd]

THANK-YOU SO MUCH...."AN S ON EDUCATION"...SHE IS BRILLIANT!!!

INTRODUCTION OF LANGUAGE AS FUNDAMENTAL IS SO SO IMPORTANT.....

WHY ARE WE ALLOWING CHILDREN TO BE BORED BY THE REPEATED INFORMATION (PROPAGANDA) IN HIGH SCHOOL?

I AM SO GLAD SHE IS OKAY......."LIFE IS FASCINATING".............

[Grier]

I love you Nikki and I always will, I caught her live in Phoenix Az university, she is fabulous.  I love you all Cornell and Tavis, keep it moving!  Stay strong.  Keep the faith.

[George Walsh]

This is my first time meeting this great thinker Ms. Giovanni which has been rewarding. Thank you. I can tell she has a beautiful soul full of love.

Her comments about the need to abolish grades for college students is a profound thought. I think many of the great problems we face as a people are caused by a failure of imagination, of thought. But before this would be possible, folks have to feel secure, have a place to stay and food to eat, and find the love of learning for learning's sake, free from fear. We have a long way to go before those things are possible for our young people because the vast majority of them able to go to college, go to find a profession and have little time to care for their educationSSSSS. 

I think all college students should also have a mentor to show them how to find their many educationsssss. A mentor who is not their parent or professor or peer. Kind of like Big Brothers/ Big Sisters or something. 

[FUJAH FREEL]

Breathing peace for my favorite all time messenger, NIKKI GIOVANNI and her colleague safety. Another awakening. [e-mail]

[Nimat:Grace]

• Loved The Statement: "Putting in an Honest Days Work."NG
• Agree w/ restructuring of the school systems....Educations...
• Grades/GPA discussion important as well!

Thank you

[Assata Harris]

Such power. Love this woman, along with West.