Black Feeling, Black Talk

   Black Feeling, Black Talk poetry written in 1967 from American poet, writer, activist, commentator and educator Nikki Giovanni.  Inspired by the black power and civil rights movement, Nikki Giovanni's poetry expresses her strong racial pride and respect for her family.  Nikki Giovanni's first published poetry was due to her response to the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Medgar Evers and Robert Kennedy.  Black Feeling, Black Talk sold over 10,000 copies in the first year it was published.

Nikki Giovanni's fiery manner and outspokeness opened the eyes of the world.  In her early career she was named the "Princess of Black Poetry," and after three decades she is now known as a "National Treasure and a Living Legend."  Her awards and honors include over 25 honorary degrees, and she has published over 30 books for adults and children including spoken words recordings in which she reads poetry to gospel music.

In 1967 Nikki Giovanni graduated from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee with honors receiving a B.A. in history.  She has taught writing and literature at Virginia Tech since 1987 where she is a University Distinguished Professor.