Nikki Giovanni’s Poetry Reading at Lehman

Nikki Giovanni (Elsa Dorfman)

By Mesha Burns and Melissa Green

Bronx Journal Staff

“I am so hip even my errors are correct,” said Professor Susan Watson-Turner during a recent performance of the work of poet Nikki Giovanni at Lehman College. The poem, Ego Trippin’, is one of the works Turner has compiled in an anthology of Giovanni’s life and work, The Fire Inside – the Story and Poetry of Nikki Giovanni.

Another highlight of the event was the reading of Giovanni’s poem All Eyez on U, written in memory of rapper Tupac Shakur (2Pac).

She recited: “2Pac told the truth. There were those who called it ‘dirty gangsta rap,’ inciting … those who never wanted to be angry at the conditions, but angry at the messengers who report: your kitchen has roaches, your toilet is overflowing, your basement has so much water the rats are in the living room, your house is in disorder and 2Pac told you about it.”

Of all her successes Giovanni is most proud of being “a Black American, a daughter, a mother, and an English professor.” But she’s known best for being an activist, educator, author and the “Princess of Black Poetry.”

Her first book of poetry was published in 1968 titled “Black Feeling Black Talk,” which reflected her life experiences and political standpoint during the time. This was followed by her second publication, “Black Judgment,” one year later. Most of her poetry echoes her strong racial pride, which stems from growing up during the Civil Rights and Black Empowerment Movements.

Her compilations were so groundbreaking and influential that it set her career as a poet in motion. Three decades later, Giovanni now teaches English at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia and has written more than two-dozen books for both children and adults.

“When I was younger I was told ‘read biographies about the people you want to be like,’” Professor Watson-Turner said proudly.

When asked why she felt compelled to create a book on Giovanni’s poetry, Professor Watson-Turner responded, “ She helped me as a young person dealing with issues…people never knew the fire that burned inside me.”

The Fire Inside is said to expose the journey Nikki Giovanni traveled, which has lead to her most compelling pieces. A production of the book was originally co-produced in July of 2007 by Cleveland’s Karamu Theatre, and the Ingenuity Festival at Playhouse Square.