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Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni Quotes

Writer

Nikki Giovanni is an American poet, writer, and activist, born on June 7, 1943. She is renowned for her poignant and evocative poetry that frequently tackles social and political issues. Giovanni's writing has had a profound impact on the African American literary community and beyond, earning her numerous awards and accolades for her literary contributions.

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All People Thinking Ifs Poetry Black Poem Want Writing Needs African Americans Blacks Knows Nina Should World Humans Book Life Love Poet

Famous Nikki Giovanni Quotes

“When arrogance calls it should always be poetry that answers thereby granting a stay to humankind's feelings of omnipotence. When love calls it must be poetry that answers bringing the sweet perfume of gentleness as our hearts pound and pound; when courage calls it will always be poetry that answers as we rise above ourselves to bring about a better thing. When war calls, poetry is the only answer. Poetry says No to destruction and Yes to possibility. Poetry is a good idea. A good friend. A good neighbor. Let's write poems.”

Love Writing War Poetry Courage Arrogance Poems

Book:Acolytes

Source: Acolytes

“and I really hope no white person ever has cause to write about me because they never understand Black love is Black wealth and they’ll probably talk about my hard childhood and never understand that all the while I was quite happy”

Love Poetry Memories Wealth Childhood Poem African Americans Blacks Remembrances

Book:Black Feeling, Black Talk / Black Judgement

Source: Black Feeling, Black Talk / Black Judgement

“we used to talk all night and do things alone together and i’ve begun (as a reaction to a feeling) to balance the pleasure of loneliness against the pain of loving you”

Love Loneliness Solitude

Book:Love Poems

Source: Love Poems

“Love is the offspring of spiritual affinity and unless that affinity is created in a moment, it will not be created for years or even generations.”

Love Years Moments Spiritual Love Is Generations Offspring Affinity Courtship Spiritual Love

Author:Nikki Giovanni

“We love because it's the only true adventure.”

“The more you love someone the more he wants from you and the less you have to give since you've already given him your love.”

Want Love Giving Given Love Someone

Book:Gemini: an extended autobiographical statement on my first twenty-five years of being a Black poet

Source: Gemini: an extended autobiographical statement on my first twenty-five years of being a Black poet

“I love you because no two snowflakes are alike, and it is possible, if you stand tippy-toe, to walk between the raindrops.”

Ifs Love Two Walks Love You Rain Toes Snowflake Raindrops I Love You Because

Book:Those who ride the night winds

Source: Those who ride the night winds

“Some say we are responsible for those we love. Others know we are responsible for those who love us.”

Knows Love Responsible African American Those We Love

Book:The women and the men

Source: The women and the men

“Black love is Black wealth and they'll probably talk about my hard childhood and never understand that all the while I was quite happy”

Love Hard Black Wealth Love Is Childhood Black Love

Author:Nikki Giovanni

About the Author

Born: June 7, 1943
Known for: Writer
Quotes: 227

Related Topics

People Thinking Ifs Poetry Black Poem Want Writing Needs African Americans Blacks Knows Nina Should World Humans Book Life Love Poet

Popular Topics

People Ifs Thinking Knows Men World Way Want Love Life Inspirational Needs Giving Feels Should Writing Trying Years Mind Firsts

Books & Sources

Sacred cows-- and other ediblesRelated source material

AcolytesRelated source material

Racism 101Related source material

Ego-Tripping and Other Poems for Young PeopleRelated source material

My HouseRelated source material

Conversations with Nikki GiovanniRelated source material

Shimmy Shimmy Shimmy Like My Sister Kate: Looking At The Harlem Renaissance Through PoemsRelated source material

The women and the menRelated source material

Those who ride the night windsRelated source material

Black Feeling, Black Talk / Black JudgementRelated source material

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