Every February we marvel at the amazing creations and achievements of Black Americans. The spotlight of Black History Month is a meaningful way to pause and enjoy music, books, poetry, art, the spoken word and so much more. On Wednesday, February 23, enjoy celebrated poet Nikki Giovanni as she shares her life’s journey with virtual audiences at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC).
Photo courtesy: Nikki Giovanni
Since borrowing money to publish her first book of poems in 1968, Giovanni has captured hearts and minds for generations. With a list of awards and honors as long as your arm, her works encompass poetry, essay, film, conversations, audio recordings and children’s material. Her most recent book, “Make Me Rain,” was released September 28, 2021.
This latest collection of poetry and prose is described by her publishers as where: “she celebrates her loved ones and unapologetically declares her pride in her Black heritage, while exploring the enduring impact of the twin sins of racism and white nationalism. Giovanni reaffirms her place as a uniquely vibrant and relevant American voice with poems such as ‘I Come from Athletes’ and ‘Rainy Days’—calling out segregation and Donald Trump; as well as ‘Unloved (for Aunt Cleota)’ and ‘When I Could No Longer’—her personal elegy for the relatives who saved her from an abusive home life. Stirring, provocative, and resonant, the poems in ‘Make Me Rain’ pierce the heart and nourish the soul.”
This month’s event was organized by SPSCC’s Director of Student Life Electra Gupton and Assistant Director of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Center Quinton Neal Jr. Neal explains that: “We will be doing a moderated conversation with Nikki to ask about her life and work. At the end of the talk, we will have time for a small open question and answer period.”
As with so much of everyday life, events at SPSCC remain a little off-kilter due to COVID-19 safety guidelines. “SPSCC has a long history of hosting a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event in partnership with The Thurston Group of Washington State,” explains Director of Strategic Communications Kati Sagawa. “We’ve had amazing guest speakers including Ernest Green, Nancy Giles, Michael Tubbs, Tamika Mallory, Dr. Walter Kimbrough, Rich Benjamin, and john a. powell. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to host the MLK event this year, so we’re especially grateful to welcome Nikki Giovanni and host this Black History Month event for the community.”
“It is important to host events like this, so the community sees what great work we are doing,” says Neal. “We would like to continue this time-honored tradition each year to remember the legacy of MLK and we want our community to engage with us so that we are all learning major takeaways to bring back to everyday lives and the work that we do. SPSCC’s commitment to involve the community is also at the forefront of our mission as a community college.” “We welcome everyone to join us for this event,” echoes Gupton.
This isn’t the school’s first interaction with Giovanni. They annually grant a Nikki Giovanni Poetry Award scholarship and she has spoken at their Artist & Lecture series in the past.
The virtual event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and the Zoom ID is 812 5754 8578. Opening and closing with song will be Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. A Grammy-nominated spoken word artist, vocalist, actress, and educator, Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. is preparing to tour with a spoken word musical she composed and has recently self-published her own first book of poetry.
Join via Zoom to celebrate Black History Month and don’t miss out on the chance to submit your questions for Giovanni to answer. Additionally, follow the South Puget Sound Community College’s Arts & Entertainment calendar for more upcoming events.
Giovanni sums up February’s celebration in her amazing poem “BLK History Month”:
If Black History Month is not
visible then wind does not
carry the seeds and drop them
on fertile ground
This year, take time to notice the many ways Black voices have planted seeds which changed our world. Turn up your favorite song, thank a local artist, shop from talented craftsmen and join SPSCC’s tribute to a true national treasure.
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