Nikki Giovanni Enchants continued

Giovanni’s visit to GSU on Wednesday began with her attendance at the One Book One University discussion of her work Quilting the Black Eyed Pea. Students took turns interpreting her poetry and explaining the significance of her words.

Participating faculty members included Dr. Christopher White, Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, and Dr. Rashidah Muhammad.

After a warm welcome from President Elaine Maimon and glowing introduction by Dr. Muhammad, Giovanni offered her wisdom, insight, and wit – always with a light touch – on issues facing us today; often reflecting on their roots in history. She read several of her poems and encouraged the audience to seek greater openness and understanding. She frequently drew on her own life story to illustrate the need to avoid complacency.

Preceding her on stage was the gospel choir Von Matthews and Proclaim. The evening was emceed by Dr. Cyrus M. Ellis and sponsored by the Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education, Division of Psychology and Counseling, College of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, Intellectual Life, Illinois Counseling Association, and Chi Sigma Iota.