The Nikki Giovanni “Words of Change” lecture held at Trinity University on January 23rd opened with a daring introduction by student Latoya Comer, a member of The Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. She admitted to having only recently learned of Giovanni via a song by Kanye West called “Hey Mama.” Comer described Giovanni as “elusive” despite the concrete details of her life and accomplishments. But her writing is conversational, direct, and straightforward. Perhaps Comer was really trying to get at the idea that Giovanni the person is larger than the details that describe her. Or that for as much as we think we know Giovanni’s views, we are left feeling embarrassed for having ever thought so. Is that elusive? Stubborn? Or just honest, coming from a person like all people, changeable and opinionated?
Perhaps no one would be able to provide an introduction that would precisely fit a Giovanni lecture, but as Giovanni took to the podium she carried a vibe that hinted at a disapproval of, or disconnection with, the introduction given her. However this soon was replaced by an hour and a half of gasps, laughs, and applause as the audience enjoyed Giovanni’s non-PC honesty and occasional insults.
Giovanni spoke of the racism and illogic of social systems such as prison and the entertainment industry, stating that rather than being sent to prison where he won’t learn anything, Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, a former student of hers at Virginia Tech, should be sent to work in a dog shelter. In a similar vein she picked on Bill Belichick and then Condoleeza Rice, whom she described as “one disappointing Negro.” But she countered these with many chipper remarks such as “love is good, sex is good, and food is good.”
She was most serious when discussing Rosa Parks, emphasizing that kids today should know who she is and that “when Mrs. Parks said ‘no,’ a passionate movement began.” She had many personal memories of Parks, as well as vivid mental images of Parks’ own past. She even displayed a Rosa Parks dance she’d made up that she believed could be taught to children so they’d know more about her.
Giovanni weaved history with current events and pop culture references with a tone both humble and wise. Though the lecture was titled Words of Change, Giovanni referred to herself as “just a poet” trying to do her best staying within her box as a writer and teacher.
Giovanni’s funky lecture included a few of her poems which she read quickly, almost nervously, and the contradictory quirks of her personality were endearing in their unbridled expression throughout the evening. After closing her talk, she took several audience questions, giving each a lengthy, winding response that occasionally seemed to lose course in a stream of consciousness. Alluding to her inability to give responses that audiences expect or hope for, Giovanni chuckled and said that perhaps she shouldn’t do Q&As. We forgave her brusqueness and appreciated her honesty.
Is Ms. Nikki Giovanni elusive? I’m not sure. I think more so she is a powerful figure who persuades masses with the strength and honesty of her words. And what we do with that influence is on us.
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