Renowned Poet Nikki Giovanna Speaks at SU March 16

SALISBURY, MD---Renowned civil rights activist, poet, professor and Grammy nominee Nikki Giovanni speaks on “Art is Diversity: Diversity is Art” 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 16 in Salisbury University’s Holloway Hall Auditorium as part of SU’s African-American and Women’s History Month celebrations. Her philosophy focuses on self improvement and the positive outcomes of individual influence on others. “Do something with your life,” said Giovanni. “You will find that what you have coveted is not worth coveting. There is a limit to what material things can do.” Giovanni, who prides herself on being an African American, daughter, mother and professor of English, has shocked and educated audiences through her social commentary. Giovanni’s strong voice for civil rights has made her a prominent speaker in the African-American community. She has written over two dozen books including illustrated children’s literature, essay compilations and poetry volumes. Her book Racism 101 includes bold and controversial essays on American racial issues from multiple perspectives. Other critically acclaimed works are Love Poems, Blues, For All the Changes and Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea. The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection, a spoken word album, was a 2003 Grammy finalist. Giovanni has received the NAACP Image Award, Woman of the Year awards and Governors’ Awards in the Arts from Tennessee and Virginia.  She also holds 21 honorary doctorates. She has taught at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) since 1987. She is a University Distinguished Professor. The lecture is sponsored by the Student Office of Activity Planning, Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, Union of African-American Students, SU chapter of the NAACP and Office of Multiethnic Student Services. Admission is free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-548-4503.