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Giovanni continues to teach, write and publish books; the most recent of which is “A Good Cry.” Her newest collection, “Make Me Rain,” was released in October of 2020.
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Washburn hosts “Community & Belonging: A Conversation with Poet Nikki Giovanni” March 7, in the White Concert Hall at Washburn University. The conversation was open to Washburn and Topeka community.
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The conversation is a WUmester event that promotes university-wide discussion of a social justice issue that changes each spring semester. Sponsors of the event included Washburn University’s Office of Academic Affairs, Office of Student Involvement and Development, Washburn Campus Activities Board and Washburn Student Government Association.
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Giovanni explores race, gender, sexuality and the African American family in her work. The Black Arts Movement and her poetry worked to uplift the Black experience in the arts.
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Storm Henry, junior anthropology major, and her friends enjoy the atmosphere and humorous vibe of Giovanni. The audience learned about connections between the subjects they study in the classroom and real-world perspectives during the conversation.
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Giovanni is widely read throughout America, and she is regarded as one of America’s most renowned poets globally. She received many awards in her career journey, which are seven Image Awards from the N.A.A.C.P., more than two dozen honorary degrees, the first Rosa Parks Woman of Courage Award, the Langston Hughes Medal for poetry and the Carl Sandburg Literary Award.
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The event is free for the audience to enter, learn new knowledge from Giovanni, and enjoy refreshments from the event. Giovanni led the audience in exploring how community and belonging contribute to our safety, well-being, happiness, and empowerment.
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Giovani was recognized as one of the 25 “Living Legends” in 2005. The poetry, books, music and attitude that she presents during the African American revolution impacted many in the country.
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The event aims to demonstrate that belonging and equal participation cannot occur if certain groups are excluded. This program provided students with a cross-disciplinary learning experience on timely subjects and helped them gain a better understanding of the world around them.
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The audience can also buy the novel and poetry book from Giovanni at the register table. There were three books that audiences could buy, which were “Make me Rain,” “A Good Cry” and “Chasing Utopia.”
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Giovanni continues to teach, write and publish books; the most recent of which is “A Good Cry.” Her newest collection, “Make Me Rain,” was released in October of 2020.
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Washburn hosts “Community & Belonging: A Conversation with Poet Nikki Giovanni” March 7, in the White Concert Hall at Washburn University. The conversation was open to Washburn and Topeka community.
Edited by Stuti Khadka and Jeremy Ford