Honoring Nikki Giovanni: A Conversation with Detroit Poet Laureate Jessica Care Moore (Fund Drive Special)

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Jessica Care Moore, the acclaimed poet laureate of Detroit, to reflect on the profound impact of the legendary Nikki Giovanni, who passed away this week. Together, they celebrated her contributions to poetry, activism, and the Black arts movement, while also discussing their personal connections to Giovanni and her lasting influence on the world of poetry and beyond.

A Giant in Poetry and Activism

Nikki Giovanni, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, was known for her powerful voice as a poet, activist, and educator. In their conversation, Davey D and Jessica Care Moore paid tribute to Giovanni’s legacy, acknowledging her as a bridge between generations and cultural movements. Giovanni’s 1972 poem Ego Tripping became iconic, and her work with artists like Tupac Shakur, particularly the poem The Rose That Grew from Concrete, left an indelible mark on the world of hip-hop and beyond.

Care Moore, who first connected with Giovanni during her early poetry career, recalled how she was often told she had a “Nikki Giovanni vibe”—a compliment that shaped her journey as a poet. Their friendship deepened over the years, particularly as Care Moore began traveling and performing as an opener and later alongside Giovanni.

A Defiant Force

Jessica Care Moore shared stories of Giovanni’s unflinching defiance against systemic oppression, a quality that made her resonate with so many, especially within the Black community. Giovanni, along with poets like Sonia Sanchez, Bell Hooks, and others, spoke out against white supremacy, patriarchy, and the multiple layers of oppression Black women face. Care Moore fondly recalled Giovanni’s sharp wit, her candidness in conversations, and her sharp critiques of figures like Donald Trump.

“She was like your cool auntie,” Care Moore explained, “not the one who coddles you, but the one who talks straight to you, right to your gut, right to your heart.” This straightforwardness was reflected in Giovanni’s work, which was accessible and deeply personal, drawing connections between poetry and everyday life.

Giovanni’s Legacy and Influence

Care Moore emphasized Giovanni’s role in shaping the Black poetic landscape, especially among younger poets. “She’s the foundation for every Black poet,” Care Moore said, noting that Nikki Giovanni’s influence is woven into the work of countless poets who followed. Giovanni’s poetry, such as Hip-Hop Speaks to Children, helped bring together the worlds of poetry and hip-hop, creating a lasting connection between the two art forms.

Giovanni’s impact extended far beyond the page. She was also an educator at universities like Penn and Virginia Tech, where she mentored and inspired students to fight for freedom and equality. “She lived her poetry,” Care Moore remarked, emphasizing Giovanni’s role as both a poet and an educator who embodied her teachings in everything she did.

A Personal Tribute

Throughout their conversation, Care Moore shared heartfelt anecdotes about Giovanni, including their time spent together at various events, like the African American Book Festival in Austin and performances with other legendary figures. Care Moore fondly recalled Giovanni’s defiant nature, her commitment to her work, and her passion for connecting with younger generations.

Giovanni, despite being a major figure in poetry, remained humble and grounded, Care Moore shared. “She wasn’t the type of poet who would sit you down and critique your work. She didn’t need to. You knew she saw you,” Care Moore explained. Giovanni’s influence was felt more through presence, through how she carried herself and how she spoke truth to power. She was a teacher in the world, rather than just in the classroom.

Remembering Nikki Giovanni’s Voice

Before closing their conversation, Jessica Care Moore honored Nikki Giovanni with a powerful reading of one of her poems, Life on Mars. The poem, which explores themes of escape and longing, showcased Giovanni’s distinctive voice and her ability to convey deep emotion with simplicity and clarity.

As Care Moore noted, Giovanni’s influence is ever-present, transcending generations and continuing to inspire new poets and activists. Giovanni’s life and work are reminders of the power of poetry, the necessity of defiance, and the importance of standing up for freedom.

In closing, Care Moore reflected on Giovanni’s legacy: “Nikki was a fighter. She didn’t wait for permission—she took her place at the table. And we’re all better for it.”

As the world continues to mourn Nikki Giovanni’s passing, her work remains a testament to the enduring power of art in the fight for justice, equality, and truth.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

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