At the Petersburg Public Library, we celebrate the voices that have shaped our understanding of the world and our place within it. This week, we honor the life and legacy of Nikki Giovanni, a literary giant whose work continues to inspire and challenge us.

A Poet Who Made History
Nikki Giovanni’s poetry was a reflection of her passion for justice, her love for community, and her unyielding hope for a better world. From her pivotal role in the Black Arts Movement to her works that explore love, loss, and resilience, Giovanni’s words have left an indelible mark on the literary and cultural landscape. She is more than a poet; she is a storyteller, a historian, and a truth-teller—a part of our collective history.

A Missed Opportunity to Celebrate Together
Nikki Giovanni was scheduled to join us at the Petersburg Public Library for the Second Triennial James Arthur Baldwin International Symposium on October 24–26, 2024. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend due to her courageous battle with cancer. Who knew this would be her last year, her last fight, but not the last time we hear her name. Her legacy will forever resonate in the halls of this library and beyond.

Explore Her Works at the Library
We invite you to explore Nikki Giovanni’s works at the Petersburg Public Library. Whether it’s her classic collections like Black Feeling, Black Talk, Black Judgment or her later works such as A Good Cry, her words continue to resonate with readers of all ages. Her books are a testament to the power of literature to provoke thought, ignite passion, and inspire change.

A Moment to Pay Tribute
For those wishing to pay their respects and honor her memory, public visitation is scheduled:

📍 McCoy Funeral Home
150 Country Club Dr. S.W.
Blacksburg, VA 24060
📞 (540) 552-3211
📧 mccoyfuneralhome@verizon.net

🗓 Saturday, December 14, 2024
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (ET)

For more details, visit the funeral home’s website here.

Let us honor Nikki Giovanni’s legacy by immersing ourselves in her words and sharing her vision of a more just and compassionate world. Visit the library to check out her books, discover her impact, and be inspired to write your own story.

“We write because we believe the human spirit cannot be tamed and should not be trained.” – Nikki Giovanni