Fall Fest 2015, presented by The Indianapolis Public Library’s African-American History Committee, will feature a lecture by world-renowned poet, activist and educator Nikki Giovanni on Nov. 21. Rising to fame in the 1960s, Giovanni’s work has appeared on The New York Times and Los Angeles Times bestseller lists, and she has been awarded an unprecedented seven NAACP Image Awards, nominated for a Grammy and has been a finalist for the National Book Award. She is currently a Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech University.
Some of her most famous works include, “Black Feeling Black Talk,” “Black Judgment,” “Night Comes Softly” and “Gemini.”
In addition to Giovanni’s lecture, the event will feature the teen Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge X and awards presentation; performances by North Star Capoeira, a martial art that combines acrobatics and dance with music; Indy Air Bears; Krash Krew and more.
The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper chatted with Giovanni from her home in Virginia about the state of Black America, her deep passion for space science and her outlook on the U.S. presidential election.
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper: While in Indy, you’ll be reading from your new book. What can readers expect?
Giovanni: I really like “Chasing Utopia.” As you may know, Utopia is a beer and my mother drank a beer every day of her adult life as I knew it, and I was mourning her. I said to my dog Wendy, “We should go have a beer for Mommy,” but Wendy and I found out it takes a lot of trouble to find a Utopia, but fortunately I did get one after a lot of time. It’s sad to lose your mother, but it’s not as sad as my mother losing me.
You grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, but you visited Indianapolis several times growing up. Are you excited to come back and see some of your old acquaintances and friends?
Yes, my uncle and aunt lived in Barrington, and the great Mari Evans is from Indianapolis. We talk at least a couple of times a week, and I look forward to seeing her; I’ve got a lot of relationships with Indianapolis.
What type of relationship do you two have being two great African-American poets?
We’ve been friends forever! She doesn’t travel as much, but she’s been down to Virginia Tech a few times and I’ve come to see her as well. We’re old friends. I don’t handle my calendar, and she called and said, “I’m coming come out to see you,” and when I asked her when was she coming, she said, “No, you’re coming here!” (laughs)
Much of your work deals with many aspects of life, including activism. Many people in the Black community are uncomfortable, specifically in today’s society, with the several police brutality cases happening. What’s your take on these issues?
It sounds so simple, and people are going to think I lost my mind, but there are reasons police officers shouldn’t have guns. Obviously, they don’t know what to do with them if they’re shooting unarmed people in the back. It’s clear to me in the Black and non-white communities that policemen should have a member of the (Black) community with them. If there is going to be a white policeman, there needs to be a Black woman or man with them; there should be some balance. They said they were afraid, but if I was with them and saw an unarmed 12-year-old boy, I wouldn’t be afraid, and I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels that way. We need to get more of the community involved in policing.
Do you think America is making strides toward racial equality?
I’m disappointed that the Obama administration hasn’t taken more of a step in leadership. We knew we had elected a president of color, and I think we expected him to spend some time to speak to, not just that Black community, but the white community too about how to get along. It’s disappointing that he’s remained so silent, and the few times he’s spoken up it hasn’t been impactful.
Are you hoping the next U.S. president will step up and fulfill that job?
If the election stays the way it is, I’m going to write my own name in. (laughs) My students were teasing me asking who do I think they should vote for and I said I’m going to vote for myself, because none of the rest of them make sense to me (laughs).
Not only are you passionate about writing, poetry and activism, you also have an interest in space science. How has this, and traveling to the Mexican coast to volunteer with sea life, influenced your writing over the years?
I’m a Tennessean by birth, and I grew up in the hills, and those in the hills are the people leading the space program. We need more Black kids to be involved in space. Some of it is mathematics, engineering and rocket science, but space is also preparing for life outside of ourselves. We have to be curious about everything and the Black community serves a great history.
No matter how we look at this country, it’s Black America’s decision to be a part of it that made America what it is today. Do we have to go further? Yes. Can we do better? You bet. But it’s the Black America’s commitment to being a part of the nation that makes us who we are. Slavery was very sad, but without Blacks, we wouldn’t have any food, music, style or anything. For Black youngsters, the more they learn about who they are and where they came from, the better they’re going to be and can contribute to a great nation.
Is there anything specific you feel today’s Black youth is missing, or any advice you would give them?
They’re missing a sense of joy in their own lives. I keep reading about the heavy drug use in kids, and they’re feeling useless. We need to remind our young people that they are contributing to a great nation. The reason we want you to travel is so you can see places and put yourself into someone else’s space and figure out how you fit into it all.
Learn more about Giovanni’s perspective on world news at this year’s Fall Fest.
About Nikki Giovanni
- Born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni Jr.
- Graduated from Fisk University with honors
- Has served as a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech since 1987
- Borrowed money to publish her first volume of poetry, “Black Feeling Black Talk”
- Her second volume of poetry was “Black Judgment”
- Has one child, Thomas Watson Giovanni
Fall Fest 2015
What: An afternoon of inspiration and cultural entertainment
When: Nov. 21, noon–4 p.m.
Where: Central Library in the Clowes Auditorium, 40 E. St. Clair St.
Cost: Free
For more information, call (317) 275-4099.
